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My own little “Best Of” for 2009. In no particular order……..Happy New Year!
Best Musical Groups of 2009:
MuteMath, Sam & Ruby, Chickenfoot, Lady Antebellum, Needtobreathe, Kings of Leon, Zac Brown Band, The Fray, Fiction Family, Shinedown, Paramore
Best Female Musical Artists of 2009:
Miranda Lambert, Pink, Melody Gardot, Lee Ann Womack, Francesca Battistelli, Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, Sara Watkins, Natalie Hemby, Patty Loveless
Best Male Musical Artists of 2009:
Radney Foster, Rob Blackledge, Brandon Heath, Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Daughtry, George Strait, Andrea Bocelli
Best Albums of 2009:
MuteMath “Armistice” (no one else comes close), Chickenfoot, Needtobreathe, Sam & Ruby, Radney Foster, Melody Gardot, Third Day, OneRepublic, Kings of Leon
Best Songs of 2009:
“Little Revival” – Radney Foster, “Heaven’s My Home” – Sam and Ruby, “Backfire” – Mute Math, “Born Again” - Third Day Featuring Lacey Mosely, “Oh Yeah” – Chickenfoot, “All The Right Moves” – One Republic, “Free to Be Me” – Francesca Battistelli, “White Liar” – Miranda Lambert, “Drifter” – Decemberadio, “Closer To Love” – Mat Kearney, “Never Say Never” and “You Found Me” – The Fray, “I Run To You” – Lady Antebellum, “Use Somebody” – Kings of Leon, “The Lost Get Found” – Britt Nicole, “Whatever It Is” – Zac Brown Band, “Madly” – Tristan Prettyman
Best Advocate Artist (who can actually bring people and politicians together to get things done rather than making them even more divided as most artists do): Bono
Music I’m Looking forward to in 2010: Sixpence None The Richer is easily at the top of the list, Chasen, The Civil Wars, Carter’s Chord, Lady Antebellum, Lifehouse, Stone Temple Pilots
Just some of the artists performing at the Compassion International benefit on December 2nd at Mercy Lounge in Nashville. More artist info and videos to come…..
Bryan White
Rob Blackledge
Julie Roberts
Blaine Laresen
Alathea
COUNTRY, POP ARTISTS JOIN FORCES FOR
COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL BENEFIT AT MERCY LOUNGE DEC 2
Artists Carter’s Chord, Julie Roberts, Bryan White, Blaine Larsen, Rob Blackledge, Mica Roberts, Trailer Choir, Canaan Smith, Charmaine, Natalie Hemby and other special guests perform at Nashville music club to raise funds and awareness for Compassion International’s Global Food Crisis Fund.
On Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 pm, many of Nashville’s country and pop artists will perform at Music City’s Mercy Lounge, with the goal of raising funds and awareness for the Global Food Crisis Fund, an initiative of Compassion International, a leading Christian child advocacy ministry. Tickets for the 18-and-over benefit are $10 in advance and at the door; all proceeds from the benefit will go towards assisting children and families affected by the global crisis, specifically in the most needed areas of the world where Compassion serves (see below for links for more information).
Artists scheduled to appear include Carter’s Chord, Julie Roberts, Bryan White, Blaine Larsen, Rob Blackledge, Mica Roberts, Trailer Choir, Charmaine, Natalie Hemby, Buck Johnson, Regie Hamm and other special guests. Radio veterans Tony Randall and Kris Rochester from the new national syndicated morning show “Tony and Kris in the Morning” will host the event.
Organizing the Dec. 2 event is Nashville music industry consultant Mike Severson, who does Artist and Radio Relations for Compassion International. “We have taken several of these artists on Compassion trips to see the work being done to rescue children from poverty and give them hope,” said Severson. “Every artist upon return wanted to do something relevant to make a direct impact on the lives of the world’s most vulnerable. As we began to talk about long term strategies, there was an overwhelming consensus to put their passion and talent to immediate use in a way that will not only help those in critical need, but also raise awareness of that need. That’s what this show is all about.”
“Compassion has been involved within the music industry for over 30 years and now is forming partnerships within the country and pop formats,” Severson continued. “Artists have such a powerful voice and Compassion provides a platform where they can truly make a life changing impact whether it is through our holistic Child Development Program or one of our intervention programs such as the Global Food Crisis Fund.”
For more information about the Mercy Lounge Benefit on Dec. 2, please contact Mike Severson at mikeseverson@comcast.net.
Tickets are available online and can be purchased here: http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=603975
For more information about the venue, Mercy Lounge: www.mercylounge.com.
# # #
Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from economic, social, spiritual, and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled adults. Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care. Today, Compassion helps more than 1 million children in 26 countries. Go to www.compassion.com for more information.
When I first started really getting into country music Steve Wariner was leading the way as one of my favorites. I recently saw him at the CMA radio broadcasts and under my breath said “Wow, there’s Steve Wariner!”. He is still at it creating artistic and critically acclaimed music, with his latest project being a tribute album to the late and great Chet Atkins. So, to give a salute to both amazing artists, here are two special Throwback Thursday videos…..
Compassion International Benefit Show
All proceeds will go to the Global Food Crisis Fund, assisting children and their families in the most needed areas where Compassion serves.
• Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009, doors open at 7:30pm
• Mercy Lounge in Nashville, ages 18 and above
• Country and Pop artists, special guests
• Tickets $10 in advance and at door. Buy advance HERE.
Featuring:
- CARTER’S CHORD
- ROB BLACKLEDGE
- JULIE ROBERTS
- BRYAN WHITE
- MICA ROBERTS
- BLAINE LARSEN
- TRAILER CHOIR
- CHARMAINE
- NATALIE HEMBY
- CANAAN SMITH
- RUSS ROBERTS
- TAMMY COCHRAN
- REGIE HAMM
- BUCK JOHNSON
*****and more very special guests!
Guest hosts: Tony & Kris from “Tony & Kris in the Morning”
CNN Video on the Global Food Crisis in Guatemala: http://edition.cnn.com/video/?/video/living/2009/09/16/iyw.guatemala.food.crisis.cnn?iref=videosearch
About the Global Food Crisis: http://www.compassion.com/sponsordonor/global-food-crisis/about-the-global-food-crisis.htm
If you would like to help out in any way or if you have questions, please contact Mike Severson at mikeseverson@comcast.net
Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from economic, social, spiritual, and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled adults. Go to www.compassion.org for more information.
The List of Country Music Association Award Winners:
Musical Event of the Year: “Start A Band “ Brad Paisley and Keith Urban
Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally
Music Video of the Year: “Love Story“ Taylor Swift - directed by Trey Fanjoy
Single of the Year: “I Run to You” Lady Antebellum
Song of the Year: “In Color” Jamey Johnson
Group of the Year: Lady Antebellum
New Artist of the Year: Darius Rucker
Album of the Year: “Fearless“ Taylor Swift
Vocal Duo of the Year: Sugarland
Male Vocalist of the Year: Brad Paisley
Female Vocalist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Entertainer of the Year: Taylor Swift
Dave Ramsey is an incredibly successful broadcast personality and is on over 400 radio stations. In addition, Dave is a prominent author, speaker, businessman, and culture shaper. He’s also a heck of a nice guy. I should know since my wife Amy works for him. Dave and his company do amazing things in helping people live a life of financial freedom and I’m very glad to see he is keynoting Country Radio Seminar in Nashville this February.
In honor of his coming out of retirement to play shows in Las Vegas (did you happen to hear about that?) here is Garth’s very first single from 1989, “Much Too Young To Feel This Damn Old”, captured with some nifty effects. I do remember playing this on the radio when it was a current. Still one of his best songs.
If ever there was an industry show I was glad I went to, this one was it. I caught myself smiling at times because of the pure talent that graced the stage and the quality of the music. The production and sound was solid as far as I could tell too. The award shows should have been taking notes. As a matter of fact, I have an idea for them – use Vince Gill’s band for all non group performances. They can play anything and knock it out of the park.
Keith and Vince announced there will be a “All For The Hall” show in October 2010 and I will be back to not only see a fantastic show, but to support the Country Music Hall of Fame.
As for individual performances, here is a brief rundown:
Keith Urban: Hands down is the most entertaining act in country music. No need for gimmicks, this guy is a master on stage, with a guitar, and with a crowd. He seems so comfortable and genuine as well.
Vince Gill: I love this guy and always have. As he sang I reminisced at when I was fortunate to work hit after hit after hit including “Whenever You Come Around” which he performed and his voice sounded exactly the same. He has not lost an ounce of his talent and we are all the poorer not hearing him on the radio.
Brad Paisley: Would have liked to hear another song, but enjoyed the guitar duel with Urban. Obvious talent.
Little Big Town: Each time I see this act, the more I believe they are stars. Sounded great.
Lady Antebellum: This is a trio that should be welcomed as an A artist. They are unbelievably versatile and talented. I can’t wait to hear more.
Jason Aldean: I know he has sold a load of albums, but I have not seen Jason in a big venue. His ovation was eye opening. The guy has a coolness factor and carves out his own edgy country niche.
Faith Hill: Honestly I wasn’t expecting much just based on not seeing her for a long time, but she surprised me at how strong her vocals were. I was reminded of why I initially fell for her back in 1993. All she needs is some solid and relevant country songs. I’d be glad to welcome her back into the fold.
Dierks Bentley: He wasn’t on the bill and showed up as a special guest, and honestly it felt like he just showed up to the venue 5 minutes before and decided to go on stage. He was good however and has such an original voice in a sea of sameness when it comes to male artists.
Taylor Swift: I was looking forward to seeing her and I think she and her three backup singers should have probably been featured earlier in the show. She shined and all the kids loved her, but going last on this particular show was a tough spot to be in.
From The Tennessean Tune In Music City blog by Lucas Hendrickson
Diamond Rio (photo: Russ Harrington)
The silence didn’t last all that long.
Guitarist Jimmy Olander was outlining his vision for the next Diamond Rio project to the group’s lead singer, Marty Roe. Rather than just another album, Olander thought, perhaps the story of Roe’s struggles with vocal problems and their simultaneous impact on the band needed to be fleshed out in book form.
“I went to (Roe) early because if he didn’t agree to it, I wasn’t about to go force one of my partners to leak this information or do something that was going to put him in an uncomfortable situation,” Olander says. “There was a bit of a pregnant pause on the phone when I hit him up with what my plan was. But there wasn’t any backpedaling, and in a real somber tone he said, ‘OK, what would you like me to do?’
“Within that pregnant pause, I think he saw that this was not going to be fun often, but I see him go back into that story again and again, and it’s courageous and I commend him for doing that.”
The entire band partnered with writer (and former Tennessean staffer) Tom Roland to craft the book Beautiful Mess: The Story of Diamond Rio, a combination biography/redemption story that used Diamond Rio’s disastrous 2005 Fourth of July performance at Riverfront Park as the jumping-off point.
“I think everybody realized, right off the bat, that this was a real story that all of us had gone through together, even though it was my personal problem,” Roe says. “But we’re not disconnected and they all went through it with me, actually suffering some tough stuff that I didn’t go through.
“The feeling of the lack of control had to be much greater with them than it was for me, especially at first when I was going through some denial,” he continues. “I was at least working on it, they had to be in the bleachers watching and hoping that it works out OK. That may be a tougher place to be than actually being in the problem.”
Band finds ‘Reason’ for excitement
The book emerges simultaneously with Diamond Rio’s latest recorded project: an album titled The Reason, the band’s first for Christian music label Word Entertainment. The record marks another first for Diamond Rio: releasing an album for which the band’s members wrote most of the tracks.
The end result of both projects is a revelatory period for a band that has played things pretty close to the vest over its 25-year career.
“There have been a lot of different things that have made what we’re doing on this record completely new for us, even though we’ve been doing this for a long time,” Olander says. “We’ve kinda always been a little nondescript; we’ve always gone through a very laborious song-selection process, turned over every rock looking for the best possible material that other writers have written.
“We’ve had a career of that, and I’m not going to say Diamond Rio is soulless or has been, but we were kinda technicians in that and there wasn’t as much heart in those projects as there is in this one.”
Roe agrees that it’s easier for him to get excited about this new material, because of its origins and purpose.
“I have loved almost everything we cut (over the band’s career), and had an emotional connection, but it was not our words and there’s a difference,” he says. “But there’s a difference between doing an ‘I Believe’ that someone else wrote and doing ‘God Is There,’ which we wrote. You have a little more personal story to tell of how that song got created.”
Artists Lend A Hand To Good Causes
Pictured on a trip to Guatemala on behalf of Compassion International (l-r): Carter’s Chord’s Joanna and Emily Robertson, recording artist Rob Blackledge, Carter’s Chord’s Becky Robertson and country music artist Megan Mullins.
Carter’s Chord joined fellow artists Megan Mullins and Rob Blackledge, and media professionals on a September trip to Guatemala on behalf of Compassion International, a child development ministry working to release the world’s poorest kids from poverty.
From MUSIC ROW. See the complete article here. Photo: Mike Severson
I was at the gym this morning getting a workout on the bicycle. I plugged in my headphones to listen to one of the five television channels available to those in the facility. My choices were a Wall Street news show, the Golf Channel, the Today Show, a country music video channel, and an investment program. What? No ESPN?! Unbelievable! I was too busy peddling to ask the staff to change one of the channels, plus I figured I needed to catch up on my music videos. The decision was made.
While on the stationary bike I saw five videos amongst promos and advertising. All currents and all on the charts at the moment (one may be considered a recurrent). As a fan of music and a radio listener I was incredibly disappointed. Besides each video bringing an element of over dramatization, the songs were below average radio fodder. Each single was from a major label, around mid-tempo, had unoriginal lyrics, overdone themes, and predictable melody. They also had a nice hooks in the chorus and that’s all that really matters because they probably are testing well for radio stations. The lowest common denominator typically wins and real music lovers lose because Nashville will continue to release the songs that they think will test well for radio stations across the board. And then the time will come when radio will say, “Why isn’t Nashville sending us anything extraordinary?” The industry cycle feeds itself.
What happened to edgy? What’s wrong with passion and polarizing? When did going with your gut become so passe’? Taking a chance…..what’s that? Seems like there is less and less of that going on every day for a number of reasons.
Don’t get me wrong, there is still amazing music being released from an array of strong artists by labels. We are also fortunate to have the star power of Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, and Kenny Chesney among others. Still, a substantial amount of singles are background music designed to do exactly what radio needs them to do. Be unstylish, non-offending wallpaper. Don’t turn that dial! TSL! PPM! Familiarity! It’s okay if they all sound the same.
Take the new single from Radney Foster for example. Think it’s too out of center? Maybe, but that is exactly where our format gets its energy and relevancy from. Or what about the songs and artists that are “too country”? The heck you say! Perhaps out of center the other direction, but they are the foundation and lifeblood of our format. So thanks to Lee Ann Womack and those like her.
It’s always frustrating to know that the majority of listeners will never hear ground-breaking, original, and beautiful music that is being written, performed, and recorded by immensely talented artists. Unless of course they go to one of the numerous online options that offer discovery and personal playlists. There are, thankfully, exceptions in the radio world who push the musical envelope and you stations know who you are.
I realize this is a battle that has been going on for a long time and will continue to be fought and discussed. Like the exercise bike I ride that doesn’t go anywhere. It does grow tiring to be sure and everyone has an entitled opinion, but at the end of this day I’ll take exceptional music over mass mediocrity any day.
The 43rd annual CMA Awards nominees were announced this morning. The live broadcast will be on Wednesday, November 11th at 8p EST from Nashville on ABC.
Entertainer Of The Year
KENNY CHESNEY
BRAD PAISLEY
TAYLOR SWIFT
GEORGE STRAIT
KEITH URBAN
Male Vocalist Of The Year
KENNY CHESNEY
BRAD PAISLEY
GEORGE STRAIT
DARIUS RUCKER
KEITH URBAN
Female Vocalist Of The Year
TAYLOR SWIFT
MIRANDA LAMBERT
MARTINA McBRIDE
REBA McENTIRE
CARRIE UNDERWOOD
New Artist Award
DARIUS RUCKER
JAMEY JOHNSON
RANDY HOUSER
JAKE OWEN
ZAC BROWN BAND
Vocal Duo Of The Year
BIG & RICH
BROOKS & DUNN
MONTGOMERY GENTRY
SUGARLAND
JOEY + RORY
Vocal Group Of The Year
EAGLES
LADY ANTEBELLUM
ZAC BROWN BAND
LITTLE BIG TOWN
RASCAL FLATTS
Album Of The Year (awarded to artist/producers)
BRAD PAISLEY – American Saturday Night – producers CHRIS DUBOIS and FRANK ROGERS – ARISTA RECORDS
KEITH URBAN – Defying Gravity – producers DANN HUFF and KEITH URBAN – CAPITOL RECORDS
TAYLOR SWIFT – Fearless – producers NATHAN CHAPMAN and TAYLOR SWIFT – BIG MACHINE RECORDS
SUGARLAND – Love On The Inside – producers BYRON GALLIMORE, KRISTIAN BUSH and JENNIFER NETTLES – MERCURY RECORDS
JAMEY JOHNSON – That Lonesome Song – producers THE KENT HARDLY PLAYBOYS – MERCURY RECORDS
Single Of The Year (awarded to the artist/producer)
“Chicken Fried” – ZAC BROWN BAND – produced by KEITH STEGALL
“I Run To You” – LADY ANTEBELLUM – produced by VICTORIA SHAW and PAUL WORLEY
“In Color” – JAMEY JOHNSON – produced by THE KENT HARDLY PLAYBOYS
“Then” – BRAD PAISLEY – produced by CHRIS DUBOIS and FRANK ROGERS
“People Are Crazy” -BILLY CURRINGTON – produced by CARSON CHAMBERLAIN and BILLY CURRINGTON
Song Of The Year (awarded to songwriter)
“Chicken Fried” – ZAC BROWN and WYATT DURRETTE
“I Told You So” – RANDY TRAVIS
“In Color” – JAMEY JOHNSON, JAMES OTTO and LEE THOMAS MILLER
“People Are Crazy” – BOBBY BRADDOCK and TROY JONES
“Then” – BRAD PAISLEY, CHRIS DuBOIS and ASHLEY GORLEY
Musical Event Of The Year
“Cowgirls Don’t Cry” – BROOKS & DUNN with REBA McENTIRE
“Down The Road” – KENNY CHESNEY with MAC McANALLY
“Everything But Quits” -LEE ANN WOMACK with GEORGE STRAIT
“I Told You So” – CARRIE UNDERWOOD with RANDY TRAVIS
“Old Enough” – THE RACONTEURS with RICKY SKAGGS and ASHLEY MONROE
Video Of The Year (awarded to artist and director)
“Boots On” – RANDY HOUSER – directed by ERIC WELCH
“Love Story” – TAYLOR SWIFT – directed by TREY FANJOY
“People Are Crazy” – BILLY CURRINGTON — directed by THE BRADS
“Start A Band” – BRAD PAISLEY (duet with KEITH URBAN) – directed by JIM SHEA
“Troubadour” – GEORGE STRAIT – directed by TREY FANJOY
Musician Of The Year
EDDIE BAYERS, JR. – drums
PAUL FRANKLIN – steel guitar
DANN HUFF – guitar
BRENT MASON – guitar
MAC MACANALLY – guitar
CMA Radio Station of the Year
Major Market: KMPS/Seattle, KYGO/Denver, WPOC/Baltimore, WUSN/Chicago, WYCD/Detroit.
Large Market: KAJA/San Antonio, KASE/Austin, WQDR/Raleigh, WTQR/Greensboro-Winston Salem, WUBE/Cincinnati.
Medium Market: KSSN/Little Rock, KUZZ/Bakersfield, KXKT/Omaha, WBBS/Syracuse, WGNA/Albany.Small Market: WAXX/Eau Claire, WI; WBKR/Owensboro, KY; WKSF/Asheville, NC; WUSY/Chattanooga, TN; WYCT/Pensacola, FL.
CMA Personality Of The Year
National
- American Country Countdown, Kix Brooks
- Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, Bob Kingsley
- The Lia Show, Lia Knight
Major Market
- The All New Dr. Don Morning Show with Doc, Grunwald, Rachael, and Jason, Don Carpenter, Steve Grunwald, Rachael Hunter, Jason “The 300 Pound Cowboy” Raithel, WYCD/Detroit.
- Cliff and Company: Cliff, Morgan, Tanner, and Tori, Cliff Dumas, Morgan Thomas, Bill Tanner, Tori Peck, KSON/San Diego.
- The Cornbread Morning Show featuring Cornbread, Pat James, Producer Annie, Father Harry and Captain Mac, Cornbread, Pat James, Annie Henson, Harry Schroeder, Mac “Captain Mac” Douglas, WIL/St. Louis.
- The Laurie De Young Morning Show, Laurie De Young, WPOC/Baltimore.
- Paul Schadt and Sarah in the Morning, Paul Schadt, Sarah Waters, WKKT/Charlotte.
Large Market
- Bucky & Bob: The Talk of Austin, Bucky Godbolt, Bob Cole, KVET/Austin.
- Chris Carr & Company, Chris Carr, Jeffrey “Maverick” Bolen, Jason Statt, WUBE, Cincinnati.
- Jeff Roper in the Morning, Jeff Roper, Angie Ward, Adam “Flash” Dellinger, WTQR/Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point.
- Jim Denny and Friends, Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, Kevin Freeman, WFMS/Indianapolis.
- Karen, Scott and Radar…The Moo Crew, Karen Dalessandro, Scott Dolphin, Tony “Radar” Hess, WMIL/Milwaukee.
Medium Market
- The 97 Country Breakfast Club with Roger, Tom, and Melissa, Roger Todd, Tom O’Brien, Melissa Moran, WPCV/Lakeland, FL.
- Brian and Kellie Morning Show, Brian Pierce, Kellie Michaels, KFDI/Wichita.
- The Kat 103 Morning Show with Steve Lundy, Gina, and Craig, Steve Lundy, Gina Melton, Craig Allen, KXKT, Omaha.
- Tom & Becky in the Morning, Tom Owens, Becky Palmer, WBBS/Syracuse.
- WIVK at Night with Jack Ryan, Jack Ryan, WIVK/Knoxville.
Small Market
- Barrett, Fox & Berry, Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, Tracy Berry, KKNU/Eugene, OR.
- Bearman and Ken in the Morning, Benny “Bearman” Martin, Ken Hicks, WUSY/Chattanooga, TN.
- Gator & The StyckMan, Gator Harrison, Greg “StyckMan” Owens, WGSQ/Cookeville, TN.
- Mee in the Morning, Kevin Mee, Brenda Mee, KIZN/Boise, ID.
- Middays with Philip Gibbons, Philip Gibbons, WGSQ/Cookeville, TN.
I’m quite excited about the trip we are departing on today. A Compassion trip to Guatemala to visit child development programs and see first hand how children and families are being rescued from their dire circumstances. I already know what to expect having been on a few of trips, but the impact nevertheless will always be the same no matter how many I eventually journey on. Heartbreak, joy, hunger, hope, poverty, faithfulness, weakness, courage, and a multitude of emotions and sensations. Brutal poverty will punch you in the gut and things change. Change for the good in you, in me, and in the lives of these children.
Just tonight I was talking with our adoptive daughter about her life in Ethiopia. She tells us random stories and we have been trying to weave them together in some sort of time frame and context. The better she speaks English, the more we are understanding and putting the pieces into place. So tonight’s story was about how her and her Ethiopian mother didn’t have any food to eat and were hungry all the time. She said that they both would ask for money along side the road so they could go buy food. They were begging. A common sight in Ethiopia, but to imagine our daughter in dirty clothes from the dusty roads, holding her mother’s hand and just looking for their next meal, well…….how that will hit me when I see it in Guatemala I just don’t know. But that’s reality and that’s life in these poverty stricken countries.
It will impact everyone on our trip differently depending on their own story and what touches their heart. I look forward to telling you stories from this adventure and have even more anticipation of hearing what our artist, radio, and industry guests have to tell.
I’m proud and excited to have Megan Mullins, Carter’s Chord, Rob Blackledge and John Bollinger as our artist guests. Musical artists have so much influence to inform and encourage people to act. Radio obviously does as well and it will be great to finally travel with KKGO PD and Compassion advocate Tonya Campos. I’m also thrilled to have industry pros like Megan Smith and Denise Roberts, who have already been supporters of Compassion, join in the mix.
I don’t know who will be blogging, twittering, or updating Facebook, but I will certainly try along the way. In the meantime check out more about Compassion and intentionally look up the children from Guatemala that are needing a sponsor. We may very well be hugging on their neck and playing games with them.
Next Thursday an amazing crew of artists and radio folks will be traveling to Guatemala with Compassion International. We will be in the country for 3 days visiting with local staff, volunteers, families, and children in the program.
Compassion’s work in Guatemala began in 1976. Currently, more than 33,300 children participate in 140 child development centers.
The following map shows the location on those centers.
Next week I will be documenting the preparation for the trip and facts that you may not know about Guatemala.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: How can Keith Urban not be Entertainer of the Year? Seeing him long ago fronting The Ranch and several times as a solo artist, no one can touch his show. The charisma, energy, musicianship, voice, and overall performance is pure entertainment. He is a welcomed combination of artistry and commerce in a world where talent typically falls on one side or the other.
And let’s not forget the songs, which Bob Lefsetz writes about in his recent blog post. He was at the show in L.A. and shares the experience. I love this line: “The Nashville market is the last bastion of real music. Actual songs played on real instruments. And that’s what you got with Keith Urban, real music.”
Check out the entire post HERE.
In the music business I’ve heard it said you will see artists at Fan Fair (or visiting radio) on their way up and then on their way down. Rarely in between when they are a superstar or at the top of their game.
One of the few exceptions to that rule is Garth Brooks. He is the true artist for the fan and that was never portrayed more than at Fan Fair 1996 when he signed autographs and took photos with fans for 23 hours straight without a break.
You may call it a brilliant PR or marketing ploy, but the bottom line is that he took care of his fans first and foremost and they rewarded him for it.
Here’s a short video of the master at work:
Jeff Foxworthy’s Daughter Helps Save Children from the Ravages of Malaria
Laughter is a way of life for the Jeff Foxworthy family, but after a visit to Africa by his now 17-year-old daughter Jordan, the Foxworthy’s dinner table conversations became deadly serious.
During her trip to Kenya three years ago, a then 14-year-old Jordan saw first-hand the devastation caused by malaria, a preventable, curable disease that kills more African children than does HIV/AIDS. With the support of her parents, she decided to bite back against the mosquitoes that typically carry malaria.
Jordan teamed up with Colorado-based Compassion International to develop the BiteBack Campaign, an initiative that raises money and awareness for the fight against malaria. Mobilizing an army of young people, the BiteBack Campaign challenges teens to donate $10 to purchase a mosquito net that could save the life of a child at risk for contracting malaria. To date, Jordan’s efforts have raised nearly half a million dollars for the BiteBack campaign.
“We can’t sit back and wait for someone to fix this. We are the ‘someones’ who need to fix this,“ said Jordan, a high school junior in Atlanta. “I believe that giving $10 to buy a mosquito net is a tangible and affordable way for kids in the United States to help make a difference in the lives of needy kids around the world.”
Jordan is using a number of strategies to raise support for the campaign. At her urging, her Atlanta-area school has taken on BiteBack as its fundraising project. Jordan also enlisted local restaurants to host BiteBack Nights, where a portion of the evening’s sales were donated to the campaign. She is also using a Facebook group page to help get the word out. In recognition of her efforts, Jordan was invited by the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to participate as a panelist in their Compassion in Action roundtable last December.
“Jordan Foxworthy is showing us that even in these tough economic times, giving a little can have a big impact on a child living in poverty,” said Mark Hanlon, senior vice president of Compassion International.
Compassion International tackles unforeseen barriers to a child’s healthy development-including widespread health epidemics such as malaria. Compassion’s Malaria Intervention Program provides mosquito nets, malaria prevention education and access to medical treatment for children in malaria-affected areas.
Compassion International is the world’s largest Christian child development organization that permanently releases children from poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in 25 of the world’s poorest countries. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works holistically through local churches to address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children-enabling them to thrive, not just survive. Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity evaluator, has awarded Compassion its highest rating-four stars-for seven consecutive years.
Rascal Flatts new album “Unstoppable” sold 351,000 in its initial week. It debuts at #1 in the Billboard Top 200 and is the trio’s fifth consecutive studio album to debut in the top five. The most interesting number and the one we should be dissecting is the 58,000 copies that were sold digitally, making it the week’s #1 Digital Album. That is about 16% of total sales.
While retail and big box sales are critical today, the more important future strategy should be working on growing the 16% to catch up with the ever increasing numbers in total digital sales occurring within the industry.
Another interesting note is the rare occurrence that Country artists have debuted at #1 for two consecutive weeks (Keith Urban last week). Jason Aldean also gets kudos for first week sales of his sophomore album at #4 in the Top 200 with 109,000 units sold.
So all news is not bad news, but the ACM’s, Swift, Urban, and Flatts have certainly help prop things up.
The 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards are being held in Las Vegas on Sunday night, April 5th at the MGM Grand.
I know my artist, radio, and industry friends are having a large time in Vegas and are preparing for the big night, but mostly looking forward to the after parties. This I know for sure.
As we prepare to discover the winners, here are a few ACM tidbits in advance…..
Presenters announced for the show include Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jack Ingram, Martina McBride, Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Miller, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton will present at this year’s show.
Brad Paisley won in his fourth ACM Video of the Year award for “Waitin’ On A Woman.” Paisley also nabbed his third Vocal Event of the Year trophy for his guitar-dueling duet with Keith Urban, “Start A Band.” These two awards were announced recently and will be handed out at the show.
Merle Haggard, Harlan Howard, Dolly Parton, Jerry Reed, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Hank Williams Jr., David Young and Beer For My Horseshave been selected to receive Academy of Country Music Special Awards this year, which are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and are only awarded during years when the Board of Directors feels there are clear and deserving candidates.
Fan voting for both the ACM Entertainer of the Year and Top New Artist is now live at www.VoteACM.com. Visit today to cast your ballot, then watch on Sunday, April 5 on CBS to see who takes home the trophies!
Julianne Hough, Jake Owen and Zac Brown Band have been named Top New Female Vocalist, Top New Male Vocalist and Top New Vocal Duo or Group, respectively. The three winners are now considered nominees for the Top New Artist award. VOTE NOW!
The multi-talented Reba McEntire will host the live broadcast and will mark McEntire’s 11th time as host. She says the ACM Awards hold a special place in her heart. “It was my first award show that I was nominated for in 1981, the Top New Female Vocalist of the Year,” Reba recalls. “I didn’t win it-Terri Gibbs got it that year–but I was nominated! It holds lots of great memories for me.
The Compassion International trip to El Salvador was another amazing and overwhelming view into the lives of children and families being impacted and changed. Emerson Drive had the opportunity to see it all first hand and bring smiles to the faces of hundreds of kids.
The first Compassion project we visited was just outside of San Salvador in the forested communities of Reparto Santa Elana and San Martin. Upon our arrival we were greeted by all of the children who were in lines on each side of us. As we walked down the middle between them, they were singing, clapping their hands, giving us hugs, and shaking our hands. It is something evident in each Compassion project I have visited – the anticipation and joy they have in making us feel welcome. They love to have visitors and do all they can to bring smiles to our faces even though we are there for them.
The kids performed a presentation for us full of music and dancing. We then broke off into three groups for an hour or so where all of us played soccer, worked on art projects, or sang songs. I tried to get involved with all three at different times. The boys and girls were so incredible. We then served them lunch, took a group photo, and said our goodbyes. Hugs of course too.
Following the visit to the Compassion project, our travel group took a walk to one of the homes in the neighborhood. A single mom and her five children, two of which were in the project we visitied. The photos below communicate their circumstances better than I could in writing. This was a home of deep rooted poverty, but Compassion was helping provide food, education, activities, and medical care to the entire family. This in turn brings hope…..and the hope a future.
The second project visit day was in the Pacific Coast community of Puerto de La Libertad, home to approximately 40,000 residents. When the bus pulled up outside of this Compassion project we could hear the children singing and clapping inside the auditorium. They were ready for us. The Emerson Drive guys walked in and it was like they were at a sold out show as the crowd of kids exploded in cheers. They weren’t cheering because they knew anything about the band or country music. They just knew that people with Compassion were there to meet them and to visit their project. They were honoring us exactly like the other projects do and it overwhelms.
The first thing these kids did for us was set up a band on stage. Singers, guitars, drums, keyboard….the works. They then proceeded to play several songs and commence church. It was a moving display of their appreciation for us and their devotion to God. Authentic and undefiled.
Our crew then visited each classroom where the children were participating – computer, cosmotology, educational classes, music, and seemstressing. Compassion not only provides school resources and instruction, but gives the kids an opportunity to learn a trade in the event they don’t make it to college. In either case a way out of poverty and incredibly difficult circumstances. It also keeps them off very dangerous gang filled streets where the influence to join is strong.
Our visit to families in their homes followed and we saw more of the same suffering. Severely impoverished neighborhoods with families living in one or two rooms. One of the homes consisted of three families in three rooms. Multiple children in one bed with their parent(s) in another. No running water, open sewage in streams and ditches, and unreliable electricity. Also the constant fear of brutal gang activity in their communities.
In each of the home visits we asked the children if they had the letters their Compassion sponsor has written them and they knew right where the papers were. With smiles on their faces they proudly retrieve them from safe keeping and show us the letters and photos of the individual or family that sponsors them. It is a relationship they cherish and are thankful for because they know it is because of their sponsors support that they are able to attend the Compassion project. The one place they can dream about what they want to be when they grow up, to get a healthy meal, and find the support they need in critical areas of their young lives.
The emotions stay ripe and fluctuate between the harshness of poverty and the joys of hope. Not only being present to see it, but to smell, taste, touch, and hear what these children and families experience on a daily basis. And the holistic way in which Compassion International works within countries, communities, and churches to lift children out of poverty and give them the real opportunity to break the cycle and thrive. To help them attain a high school and, in some cases, a college education. Something they and their families would never have dreamed possible.
This is what we saw and the results will reverberate. There will be a story about Emerson Drive’s experience in a forthcoming issue of Country Weekly. They will also be talking about it in the weeks and months to come because these are things we are compelled to tell. I look forward to partnering with the guys from the band. They have big hearts and are great men to know, not to mention incredibly talented artists.
We will have more news soon about artists who are partnering with Compassion in various ways. Country music is full of artists and professionals who love to help local charities, but also see the big picture when it comes to a world in critical need. I continue to look forward with passion to help align those with a desire to help to having a genuine life changing impact on child.
For more photos of the trip please go to HERE.
Nashville, TN- The Valory Music Co./Midas Records artists Emerson Drive are teaming up with Compassion International for a trip to El Salvador with Compassion executives on March 23-26.
“I am thrilled to have Emerson Drive join us on this trip to El Salvador and help build a significant partnership between country music and Compassion International. I know first hand what incredible guys they are and believe this trip will not only be an important experience for the band, but will help give hope and a future to children in desperate poverty around the world,” says Mike Severson, Country Format Artist & Radio Relations for Compassion International.
Emerson Drive is the first country band to ever become involved with Compassion International and they are excited about the upcoming opportunity to learn more about Compassion’s mission to release children from poverty in developing countries around the globe.
“One of the best things that we get to do as entertainers is support great charity organizations like Compassion International,” states lead singer Brad Mates. “This trip will give us a first hand look at life in third world countries and I have no doubt that it will leave a lasting impact on us individually and as a band. We’re excited about the partnership with Compassion and doing whatever we can to raise awareness about their child sponsorship program.”
While in El Salvador Emerson Drive will visit with Compassion staff on the ground as well as some of the children benefiting from the support of one-on-one sponsorships. The band has invited photographers from Country Weekly and an independent film crew to accompany them on the trip to document their journey. The footage gathered from the group’s visit will be utilized in a viral video campaign in conjunction with the song, “There’s My God,” a track that will be included on Emerson Drive’s upcoming album BELIEVE, due in stores later this year.
Emerson Drive continues to brainstorm with Compassion executives on additional opportunities to increase the number of child sponsors with hopes of involving their growing fan base and country radio. The guys in the band hope that their involvement will garner more awareness about Compassion International as well as encourage people to sponsor a child or make a donation to this worthwhile organization.
Compassion International was founded on the belief that changing the lives of children in third world countries by providing them with the basic needs and education to help them overcome poverty will empower them and ultimately change their communities and nations. According to statistics, of the world’s 6.3 billion people, nearly 30 percent are under the age of 15. In most developing countries, children comprise half of the population, yet almost 11 million children each year – about 30,000 a day – die before reaching their fifth birthday, mostly from preventable causes. Compassion strives to influence a child’s life at the earliest stages possible, and support the child’s development through young adulthood. Those interested in finding out more about Compassion or how you can help can visit www.compassion.com.
For more information about the Emerson Drive and to see video clips from their life out on the road, which will include an episode from their El Salvador trip beginning in April, log on to www.emersondrive.com or visit www.myspace.com/emersondrive.
I have to start by saying thank you to all the folks at Compassion International. I have worked on many charity events in my 30+ year radio career but never went on such a personally life changing trip as I did when I went to Nicaragua in September 2008. This trip wore me out emotionally and yet I know Compassion International people are sent all over the world on much longer and much more emotionally draining trips than the one I went on and continue to travel on an endless journey of compassion without faltering. It is an amazing charity.
I am now the proud sponsor of two children that I met on this trip, Tatiana and Veronica. Many people ask what the country music community could gain from helping children in far away countries and it is a simple answer I always give. FAMILY. Just as the country music community and country radio and all the fans of country around the USA are so committed and caring about their families, so are families in these countries visited by Compassion International. They too care immensely for their families and their children’s well being.
I strongly believe this is an international parallel that can be bridged by just being made aware that the family makeup is one that is strictly separated only by geography. By taking these boundaries away we begin to see that a hungry child is a hungry child. Period.
I encourage everyone to see a Compassion International presentation or go on a trip to meet these children yourself. For me too, they were once faces I saw late at night on the television or an ad in magazine or some flyer I had mixed in with my daily mail. But meeting them, seeing their eyes and hearing their voices made “it” (the problems we all turn away from) very real and there is nothing more motivating on the planet than seeing something bigger than life within a few feet of you. That “something bigger than life” is POVERTY. I only hope that if anyone in my family is ever in the position many of these families are in that they receive the same help Compassion International gives.
Why shouldn’t that be the country music community offering to lend a hand? Let’s challenge ourselves individually to offer help. Meet one of these children and BOTH arms would automatically open, regardless of where they are from.
Tonya Campos is Program Director and air personality for KKGO/Los Angeles. She has a long radio history in California and the Los Angeles area.
The following videos are from Tonya’s trip with Compassion International to Nicaragua prior to the Compassion event last year on KKGO:
For more information go to www.compassion.com/country
Tomorrow morning I leave for Honduras with a group from Compassion International. We will be traveling there to tour a couple of the projects Compassion has set up. We’ll visit the children and families who are being directly helped by their Compassion sponsors and witness the impact that personal relationship has on releasing the grip of poverty in their lives. There are also plans to walk through some of the neighborhoods where I know we will find roots of deep poverty. How deep I can only guess, but that is part of the reason for going. To see it with my own eyes and let it sink into my skin.
I have witnessed desperate poverty in Africa. Gotten to know and cried over street kids and orphans who are its innocent victims. Seen the ravage results of AIDS, genocide, severe malnutrition, parasites, malaria, and other diseases. Incredible situations you will never find in the United States. Poverty in our country is nothing at all compared to developing countries around the world. If you have never seen it, it would shock you. And we all need to be shocked.
I’m going to witness more of it over the next few days, but I will also see the hope and restoration that Compassion gives children and families. Not only to provide for their needs, but to give them the genuine opportunity to break out of the poverty that has held them captive through the monthly support of individual sponsors. Over one million children around the world are being lifted up and out of their circumstances.
I look forward to reporting back from the trip and sharing how the country music community can link with this amazing organization and make a massive impact on the lives of countless other children. Compassion International has a long and rich history within the music industry and there is incredible opportunity for artists, radio, media, and industry professionals to partner along and get involved. It is a very critical time to reach out to a world in need and Compassion knows how to connect the dots and make it happen.
For those of you involved in the country music business, you can get more information here. The rest of you can get further info on Compassion International here.
We’re just getting started, so check back for more updates. Please contact me with any questions you might have.
From All Access Music Group:
1720 ENTERTAINMENT/NASHVILLE Regional Promotions MIKE SEVERSON has joined forces with COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL to serve as their Country Format Consultant on a part-time basis. COMPASSION is a Christian child advocacy ministry that seeks to find one-on-one sponsorships of children in severely impoverished nations. Currently, over one million children are receiving food, medical care, education and shelter because of their sponsors.
In his new role, SEVERSON will be working to recruit radio stations and artists to serve as advocates for COMPASSION and to get the word out to listeners and fans. MT. WILSON BROADCASTING Country KKGO/LOS ANGELES was the first Country station to partner with COMPASSION by holding a radiothon last SEPTEMBER where 250 listeners signed up to sponsor children. PD TONYA CAMPOS visited NICARAGUA last year and learned firsthand of the devastation and the desperation. Read more about her trip here.
To learn more about COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL visit www.compassion.com. To find out how your station or artist can help contact SEVERSON at mikeseverson@comcast.net.
I recently checked out the “Power” rankings in Country Aircheck. It is the issue that features the top 30 most powerful people in the radio and music industry as voted by Country Aircheck readers. Ten years ago I would have been eagerly voting and anticipating the results. Now I find I just don’t care anymore.
The power list is purely an ego stroke for the industry and an attention getter for the magazine. I totally get it. Lots of industries and magazines do it. It’s a PR move - not a scientific study - and very open to disagreement and discussion.
Understand, I have many friends on the list this year and I don’t have anything against anyone who received the votes to make it into the ranks. I applaud them! I guess it is simply a concern I have with focus on power, status, and ego rather than individuals who are making a truly positive impact on the future of our businesses through innovation and creativity, and in the lives of those who work within it. Many of the current people would remain on that list too, but others would rightly not.
In a recent conversation I had with a friend of mine who is a prominent player in the music business, we discussed how there were more important things to value in our lives besides power and prestige. The whole power list thing does the industry no good whatsoever, but the game will continue to be played.
If a list must be done, how about a ”Smartest” countdown rather than the usual ”Powerful” brand? It matters most what people do with their power than how much they have. Persuade industry peers to look at the qualities of the individual and what they have to offer in the future rather than their corporate rank and how big of a sledgehammer they have.
“The attempt to combine wisdom and power has only rarely been successful and then only for a short while” – Albert Einstein
AWARD-WINNING POWERHOUSE VOCALIST
JAMIE O’NEAL
RELEASES NEW SINGLE
“Like A Woman” Hits Radio Monday, October 13
With Album to Follow Early Next Year from 1720 Entertainment
ACM Award-winner and multi-Grammy nominee, Jamie O’Neal returns to country radio Monday, October 13 with “Like A Woman,” her first single release since signing with 1720 Entertainment earlier this year.
Co-written with fellow hit songwriters Stephanie Bentley and Jim Femino, “Like A Woman” proves that O’Neal’s knack for tapping into the human spirit is as compelling as ever. She delivers the song’s lyrics about the need to bring back the passion between a man and a woman with power and conviction.
“At the end of the day, all women want to feel appreciated and sexy and recapture the passion with the man they love,” says O’Neal. “That feeling and that need is what this song is about.”
With plans for 1720 to release a full album in early 2009, O’Neal has been writing and recording new music.
“Having the creative freedom to record only the songs I believe in 100% has been such a rich experience and I can’t wait to share my new music with the fans,” shares O’Neal.
For more information, visit www.jamieoneal.com.
So Rascal Flatts getting shut out of the Country Music Award nominations is a big deal apparently. It has also previously happened to Toby Keith and Tim McGraw at the height of their popularity too. One of the leading country format trades, Country Aircheck, published a front page story in their issue this week. Here are a couple of excerpts:
“…..but far more insidious and potentially damaging is the view from many in the industry that the voting process is flawed and skewed to the mega-labels. Some point out that the commonality among McGraw, Keith and the Flatt’s is their stand-alone label affiliation. The inference is that artists in those situations cannot overcome the perceived block-voting believed to be taking place in major label groups.”
“…..the exclusion of Tim and Toby in the past and the Flatts this year simply doesn’t pass the “smell test.” While intense examination of the ballots does not produce a smoking gun, the preponderance of evidence seems to suggest there is, at least, something within the process that puts some artists at a distinct disadvantage.”
This is not news to those of us who have worked in this business for a good amount of time. There are major label groups in town that tend to sweep a majority of nominations and end up having the champagne flowing at the post show party as they celebrate all of their winners. Although block-voting is now prohibited, many can’t help but think that certain powerful people and label groups in this town have overwhelming sway as to what artists get nominated and which get prime performances.
Let me give you an example of something a friend of mine experienced many years ago while working at a major label. I will withhold the name and company.
Since the company paid for membership dues, nearly every employee at this company would receive nomination ballots for ACM and CMA awards. The instructions to employees were to not fill them out and take the ballot to the head of the class, where they would be completed by a single person. That particular individual would then check them all off in exactly the same manner. Certain artists would receive straight ticket votes, which was to obviously give them an advantage over other competitors. If this is the definition of block-voting, then that’s what it was.
I don’t know how well it actually worked, but you can imagine the impact it made on skewing those vote totals. It was just another part of the industry that made me uneasy. It made me uneasy because I was also part of the same company at the time. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in supporting my artists, but to try and hijack my opinion about what I thought was the best our format had to offer, well……I just couldn’t play that game. My friend and I refused to turn our ballots over each time they were requested.
So, maybe there are other games going on right now. I wouldn’t doubt it. Some people will stop at nothing, including outright cheating, to win. But to say that there must be something wrong if a certain popular artist doesn’t automatically get the expected nominated by their peers (not fans mind you), may be presumptuous. After all, Alison Krauss is one of the best female voices in country music, any music actually, and she doesn’t always make it to the final round. I’m glad she did this year. There are many other examples as well – and you can always start with “Entertainer of the Year”. One or two nominees in that category baffle me year after year and they end up excluding other more deserving finalists who are far more entertaining.
If this vote was indeed legitimate, maybe our peers are sending a message. Are they purposefully shaking things up to make it more interesting and allow fresh emerging talent to enter the proceedings? If the vote is not legitimate, then the CMA has to continue to fight the good fight because the same people will try to break the rules to win at every moment.
The Tennessean has more on the exclusion of Rascal Flatts here.
WHAT ARE YOU FAMOUS FOR? by Joel Burke
I was digging threw some boxes and came across a couple of school yearbooks. It was an unexpected trip down memory lane. It was a one-way trip back in time to experiences that are now just a distant memory.
As I flipped through those countless pages of classmate mug shots, some pictures seemed to just jump off the page.
Even though all of the pictures are the exact same size, certain classmate photos just seemed to be larger thanks to what I remembered them for.
The picture of one person was of a natural athlete yet never put forth the effort. He later ended up in prison for armed robbery. Another picture told a sad of story of girl, who was killed in a car accident just two weeks before graduation. The song by Kenny Chesney comes to mind- “Who’d You Be Today.”
As I continue to flip through pages, there were plenty of familiar faces yet I couldn’t remember anything about them. They weren’t famous or even infamous. In fact, I doubt I could even remember their names if it wasn’t listed.
It got to me wonder what am I famous for? What do people remember about me in the past, the present and how do I want to be remembered in the future? There’s not much I can do to repair the past, but there is something significant I can do about the present and future.
If all I’m known now for is awards, the truck I drive, the house I own and my job title, then I’m truly haven’t lived up to what I should be. If that’s all I’m known for, then I have lived a life of vanity. It’s a decision of living a life of vanity or a life of value.
It’s been said, “People will not remember what you said, but how we made them feel.” Reflect on the people you came in contact with today. How did you make them feel? Will those feelings be of someone who had their spirits lifted or just another grumpy person they would like to forget?
If I were to ask 10 people who have known you very well for at least three years, how would they describe you in two sentences? Would their answer be something about how you made a positive difference in their lives? If not, it might be time to get an attitude adjustment.
If you are radio personality, what would your listeners say about you in one sentence? If your audience can’t describe you in one sentence, then you have your work cut out for you or you might just be looking for work sometime soon! What unique quality do you bring to your show that separates you from the rest of the countless pictures?
All of us can be famous! The question is, what have you done with your life to this point to define your fame? I’m not talking about being a celebrity who is on TMZ.com everyday. Rather, it’s about being known for something that truly matters now and in the future.
Joel Burke is PD of multi-award winning country radio station KYGO in Denver.
I’m now doing my thing at 1720 Entertainment. I’m thrilled to work with Bill Macky and his solid promotion team. I have worked with all but one of the crew at some point in my career and have the utmost personal and professional respect for them. I am also excited to be working with talented artists Rissi Palmer and Jamie O’Neal. They are both putting out top-notch music and have an extraordinary amount to offer the format.
Onward and Upward.
Yes, that’s right my friends. Since I am no longer with the affiliated record label, no one can accuse me of self serving bias. This is one great band no matter where I am.
The members of Whiskey Falls are all individually successful and extremely talented. They can play, sing, and perform with the best of them, and they “get it”. They understand how the industry works and, most of all, how it doesn’t. They are savvy about the future of our industry and are light years ahead of a majority of acts when it comes to connecting the dots.
Whiskey Falls has a harmony and a sound that should be all over the radio, which interestingly enough is the only media passenger that hasn’t yet completely boarded this train. Plus, they are the nicest guys you will ever meet. The band was a pleasure to work for and I expect great things for the guys in the future.
The Music Advisory suggests you do yourself a favor and get to know the band HERE and become their friend. You won’t regret it. I haven’t.
Finally someone is doing something that makes sense in this town. Will it work? Based on the demo segment who purchase music from Taylor Swift I think it will. The price points may be a little high for the basic CD and digital download pre-sale and they probably should have given an incentive along with it. Although, Taylor does have a passionate fan base, so they may need no bonus enticement.
If it falls short, then it was a good move in forward thinking. It is only the beginning of what can be accomplished with innovation, incentive, and creative marketing. I noticed the “Pink Ticket” gimmick is taken right from the Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka would be proud.
We have to be of the thinking that Wal-Mart and Target do not sell music any longer. It’s not very far fetched. How do we engage our consumer, give them a real reason to purchase music online (or the incentive w/ free music), and make them long term partners in a career?
Nashville typically lags behind the curve and likes to make excuses for it which only perpetuates the lag. Yes, times are tough and present many challenges for the future, but within those challenges are huge opportunities. We do indeed have to be Fearless.
FRANK EDWARDS
PD Clear Channel KRYS/Corpus Christi
Previous Stations & Positions:
KTAI / Texas A&M-Kingsville (college radio station)
KNGV / Kingsville (Friday football board op / Sunday morning board op)
KOUL / Corpus Christi (started as weekend guy, then night guy, then APD/MD and
afternoons)
KKCN / San Angelo (Program Director / Afternoons)
KRYS / Corpus Christi (started as night guy/promotions, then PD/mornings, now
PD/Afternoon guy)
KKTX / Corpus Christi (added duties as PD of our News/Talk station in 2007)
Years in the biz: 12
Marital Status: Yep…Christina and I have been hitched for 8 ½ yrs
Kids? 1 daughter, Leighann who is 3
What is your favorite thing about Corpus? I’m 20 minutes from fishing and 90 minutes from hunting. It’s also the home and HQ of the world-famous Whataburger and of some of the best Mexican food and seafood in the world. This is home.
What are the unique challenges of programming in the Corpus Christi market? I think we face the same challenges that other stations face. We have 2 other country stations in the market. We also have a very small staff. The challenge is making sure that we are doing the best we can. I can’t change the amount of marketing money we get or our budget, but we can work together and work smarter to accomplish our goals.
How did the radio bug bite you? My mom showed me my birth announcement a while back and there was a microphone and a pair of headphones on the cover. I have wanted to do what I’m doing my whole life, but I really got interested in high school. When I was a senior, Bill Cody (now at WSM, then at KKYX/San Antonio) came to speak at a Soil & Water Conservation Association banquet in my hometown. I cornered him for about 45 minutes after it was over to talk about radio and that was the night I really knew what I wanted to do.
Are you currently utilizing, or planning to utilize: podcasts, video, texting or other digital technology in your programming and promotions? If so, in what way? Nah…it’s a passing fad. I don’t think any of it will catch on. Seriously, I podcast just about every artist interview I do. We also started a NASCAR podcast last year, and people actually listen to it. All of us have some kind of recorder to get either video or audio. It is an essential part of what we do now.
What is the most critical problem radio faces today? We need to train the next generation of broadcasters. I spoke to a college class a few months ago, and I asked the class of 25 how many of them listened to radio, and 4 raised their hand. The rest had MP3 players, satellite radio, or they recorded their own music. Sad thing was it was a radio broadcasting class. There are aspiring broadcasters out there today, but no place for them to ‘cut their teeth.’ I think I was a part of the last generation that could work overnight on the weekends. That opportunity just doesn’t exist anymore. We have to utilize internships, and recruit and train talent.
What can record labels and artists do to better serve you and your station? Come take me to lunch. Actually, I’m very thankful for all of the support from our friends at the labels. They have a tough job, and I respect what they do.
Who has had the most influence on you in your career thus far? Why? My current GM, John Richards. He’s a former country PD, and he’s a great teacher. I’ve learned more in the last couple of years from him than I have in all of my previous years. And he was also kind enough to let me add the PD duties at our news/talk station about a year ago, which has really forced me to learn to manage my time and to delegate.
What are your favorite magazines, web sites, and blogs?
Magazines: Texas Trophy Hunters, Backpacker, Readers Digest
Web sites: K99Country.com, Drudge Report, Yahoo! Buzz
Blogs: Mike Severson’s blog of course, The 9513 is good, penaddiction.blogspot.com
How do you discover new music? Play MPE emails that we get, listening to full CD’s when they come in, occasionally returning a record rep’s call, and requests from listeners.
Do you ever play local or regional country acts? If so, do you have a success story? Yes. We do a feature called the ‘Texas Spotlight’ every day a 6pm and play a song from a Texas artist. We also do a 2-hour show on Saturday nights called ‘The Texas State Line’ featuring Texas, regional, and local artists. Last year, the host of the show left us, and I didn’t want to host it each week. Now we get a bunch of Texas artists through here and I turn the show over to one of them each week to guest host…we’ve had artists like Kevin Fowler and Cory Morrow host, as well as up and coming artists and it works out really well.
What advice would you give someone wanting to get into the music business?
Can’t speak to music business, but if radio is your calling:
1. Go to college and get a degree
2. Major in something besides communication (business is a good one)
3. Work at a college radio station
4. Be prepared to work hard
5. If you don’t like coffee, then fine something similar you like
How important is it for a station to be local for their specific market? It is THE most important thing. That’s what can set you apart.
What are you looking forward to most? 2 upcoming seasons: Football and Deer.
What do you like to do when you “unplug”? I got a Wii for Father’s Day and that seems to dominate my time of late. I also discovered this thing last year called a ‘gym’ and that was good, because Jerry Springer was about to come knock a wall out of my house so they could get me out of here.
Is “Texas Music” still popular as ever? Do you notice any trend to a different type of sound or has it remained steady? It is popular and will continue to be as long as there are college kids that drink beer and listen to music. It has more of a ‘rock’ sound to it now, and there seems to be WAY more artists than there was a few years ago. I do wish there was more originality as far as the names of the bands…I’m tired of the bands being named after the lead singer. That was great for Randy Rogers to do, but it seems like every Texas CD I get is from a band named after the lead singer. If we could stop THAT, and stop real estate agents from going to Glamour Shots for their pictures, the world would be a better place.
Which Texas based artists are you most excited about? Jack Ingram and Robert Earl Keen are two of my favorite singers of all time. I think Wade Bowen is going to be the next big star out of Texas. There’s also a guy from Decatur named King Cone who is one of the most talented artists I’ve seen. There really is a lot of great music being made, and as a fan, I love it. I just wish I was 21 and had the energy to go to more shows when they’re in town.
I know you would never want to leave Texas, but what are other favorite locations of yours?
Yeah, I’m not sure if I’ll ever leave Nueces County anymore with the price of gas. My favorite 2 places to go are my grandma’s ranch just up the road from here, and Big Bend National Park. I love Colorado and New Mexico, and I really want to visit Wyoming. I’ve never been to Las Vegas, so I hope to do that this year. I’ve been pretty much everywhere else, and there is no place like Texas. Like Gary P. Nunn says “….we’ve got the prettiest women and the friendliest people you’ve ever seen.”
Thanks Frank!
We were rolling down the road in our small bus in Kigali, Rwanda when we came to a stop in traffic. Next to us was a local man who was listening to music in his car. It was rather loud and the windows were down. What did I hear? Alan Jackson.
Shortly after that in Italy I was told that Keith Urban is becoming very popular and country music is being received more readily because of the “new sound” that is appealing to them.
That got me thinking.
With brands expanding and the world shrinking, many products are making their way all around the global economy. Whatever can cross borders (including into our own) or break boundaries will experience growth. Those that cannot make a connection with other parts of the world will not experience the same growth and will be relegated as a niche or regional product.
The world of music and entertainment may also be held to this economy. Beyond the U.S. there is potential growth for a number of musical genres besides Top 40. Some, like Country, are distinctly American by birth and audience. With numbers shrinking over the past 10 years within the U.S., how can we grow a format that has not only a battle within our own borders, but strike out and be relevant to other cultures and countries? How do we effectively grow our share in the states and market to the rest of the world, while maintaining our musical integrity?
There are many ideas I’m certain, but one answer is our format must diversify. Diversify meaning welcoming talent of various colors and cultures without surrendering the validity of the genre. Country music has dabbled with it in the past by welcoming a solitary hispanic and black artist into the format. Satisfied, we patted ourselves on the back with one hand and then ushered them out the back door with the other. The musical atmosphere is currently seeing promising signs, but more must be accomplished for us to be respected and successful as a format in the years to come.
Country music is focused heavily on relatable and meaningful lyrics depicting everyday life. It’s about family, freedom, love, relationships, and faith – the fundamental core of our format. These are not just white rural American interests, but are things important to a majority of society. Even the country lifestyle group is more expansive than we make it. Certain acts have strong appeal beyond our self imposed borders and we should take advantage of that. I don’t think we fully are. I also don’t think we are inviting other cultures and ethnicities into our own backyard to participate in the future legacy of this format.
There is much opportunity.
This is an intriguing article from Sean Ross from Edison Media Research, but it is the comments following that take the cake. I shouldn’t be surprised of how overweight egos respond so vehemently and how many want to take credit for not just being responsible for The Wolf’s success in Dallas, but for giving them the inspiration and idea. Please. It’s just a topical article, not an in depth radio history lesson.
I appreciate most the professional comments from Jim West, Cody Alan, Dean James, and the individuals who can actually take part of the credit for the success that didn’t post anything at all.
The Wolf was well done and at its zenith was one of the best country radio station I had ever heard at the time. The branding (before branding was cool), marketing, music, and relevance was unmatched. I traveled to Dallas a great deal during its heyday, so maybe I can take some of the credit too??
John Pisciotta
Ripcord, Inc.
Previous employment/companies: Session Guitar, (Vince Gill, Pink, Amy Grant, Peter Cetera, Michael Omartian), Sony Tree writer/producer, Paradiso Music, Founder Lead Producer, Ripcord Entertainment, Founder, Creative Director
Years in the biz: 14
Marital Status: Married to Robin Welty
Children: None
You do a wide variety of things at Ripcord. Can you give us a rundown of everything you are involved in? Sure, Ripcord inc. is an Artist Experience company. A music business 2.0 company committed to expanding how artists are experienced in a post record label world.
Under the Ripcord umbrella we have three Divisions: Paradiso Music Productions, which is a production/artist alignment company, Ripcord Music Publishing, and Ripcord Entertainment, the Artist Experience Company.
Artists nowadays are on two trajectories, 1: I wanna be a rock star trajectory, and 2: I want to build the empire myself. So what we are seeing is a pretty drastic shift towards the “build you empire” trajectory. A perfect example, we recently finished production/artist alignment for a new artist. I think the total production budget was around $40,000. Before were done with the record we have recouped the entire budget. So the artist is able to be profitable from record one. It’s a different model, so for the right artist, it works amazingly well.
There are rarely average days I’m sure, but how would you describe a normal day? Meetings in the morning, in sessions during the day.
How did you get started in the music business? Hmm, big question, Technically, I would say, writing and producing at Sony.
What do you look for in artists and songwriters? For Artists: Talent is a givin; you have to be amazing at what you do. But really talent is the easiest part of the equation, what is rare is the drive and passion that coincides with building a career.
For writers: people that are amazing at their “thing”. Lyrics, hooks, and beat making are important on a song level, but on a personal level, being pleasant to be around is a big part as well, work ethic, the list goes on an on.
Do you feel most traditional record labels have dropped the ball in A&R and artist development? I don’t know they have dropped the ball, things have just shifted, if you look at the development of the artist, and open it up, you have a lot of things that are hard to quantify. Labels have to quantify and measure the profitability of the artist. And they should, Finding your voice, re-invention, experimentation, connecting with and finding your audience, a lot of these right brain elements have never fit in the label model. In the past, labels could try things and a few would work, and system supported it. Now the system doesn’t hold. So creatively speaking, labels gotten out of “the music” and really become marketing divisions. I see it a good thing where every body does what they are best at rather than the old school A&R model.
If so, why do you think that is? I think you’re looking at 2 completely different ways of thinking, there are “creators” and there are “sellers” or right brain/left brain, either way. In the last 10 – 12 years we’ve seen a split. Labels used to try to do all of the above, now they can’t afford to. I started a company in 94 built around this. Paradiso Music Productions is a creative catalyst company that works with pro artists, creating the right world for the artist to thrive in. So we see A&R, managers, and booking agents coming in wanting to hear what were working on. It really is a win-win. Everybody does what they are best at.
It just takes a while to do it right, you can do it fast but it’ll sound that way. Paradiso Music Productions, has three legs under it: Songwriting, Production, and Artist Alignment. We are song people and songs matter more than ever. Nothing is harder than producing a “good song” and by good I mean completely adequate, “ok” song. These are the songs we try to keep “off” our artist’s records. Good really is the enemy of great, ESPECIALLY with songs. I describe a great song as “a song that makes you feel like your flying”, those are the ones that we look to cut for our artists. Songs FIRST, songs Last.
What is the most pressing problem the music industry faces today? Impatience, the tyranny of the familiar, Inability to change
Where do you see the music industry going within the next 5 years? The center of the pie, the label, is pretty much gone, so I would put in its place “a sustainable artist career”. The future is going to be built on an artist centric model, rather than label centric. Taking “care” of right brain people is gong to take more and more of a place in the conversation. Instead of signing an artist and 18 months later their broke divorced and working a star bucks.
The Music Business 2.0 will be built around protecting the right brain artists (the golden goose) and surrounding them with people who can serve them rightly. Understanding the creative mind will be very important, you can’t force an artist to be in output mode 24/7, because it will, and it has, killed artist’s careers.
A perfect example is what Mark at Echo music here in town is doing great stuff with their online central hub model. Very artist centric, very well structured.
I’ve thought of it as resembling Russia in the 80s. You had a superpower that was fragmented out and Balkanized into littler countries, this is what’s happening in music. Everything is still being made, but it is just split out differently. We just have to watch out for the “Russian mafia” effect happening.
Many Nashville indie labels still try to compete with the bigger labels in attaining radio airplay. What means do you use to reach the audience for your artists? Radio comes when you’re ready for it, when you’ve earned it, when your audience is well established. Ripcord is an artist’s experience company, so multiplying ways for the audience to experience their artists is huge for us. Creating an unbelievable experience is what we think about, and work towards. We’re really more interested in listening to the fans and how they wish to engage with an artist that moves them. We really get back to basics, building the right team around the artist. Intangibly, we see an amazing connection with the audience as paramount. Tangibly, digital downloads, touring, merch, online, endorsements, and silver CDs are a few of slices of the artist experience pie.
Who has had the most influence on you in your career thus far? Why? Wow, I’m a huge believer in having mentors and being a mentor, so I would say a handful of people:
Randy Cox, who poured into me big time, during my time as a writer/producer at Sony Tree
Jody Williams, Jody Williams Music and VP at BMI, who has been a priceless in regards to new joint ventures, and structuring them rightly.
Rory Bourke, Hall of fame songwriter, a mentor to our writers and us. Just the kindest man on the planet, and oh yeah, amazing songwriter.
I would also say Michael and Stormie Omartian, A hero of mine, who I remember watching win the Grammies in 1981, working with him, and seeing how he works and approaches things has been unbelievable.
Ripcord also bucks the industry trend and accepts unsolicited demos from songwriters and recording artists. How has that worked for you? Well, you don’t know where greatness will come from; we get recommendations from all over, our peirs in marketing, management, BMI ASCAP. Again it goes back to our model, is not about competing with Clear Channel, we are attempting to create some great, not something HUGE. We like being small.
What is a highlight of your career thus far? I would say the American Music Award or a song of the year nomination last year, anytime we bring an artist to CAA, William Morris, Warner, and Virgin.
What advice would you give artists wanting to get into the music industry? Create the job you wish for. Treat people unbelievably well.
How do you keep motivated? Seeing artists multiply their talent.
What is the most important thing you have learned within the last year? I would say two things “God makes it grow”, and “We have no idea what we can’t do”
What are you looking forward to most? Well it stated out as a hobby, I guess we can talk about it now, but recently, I am creator and co-author of “The Fear Killer”. It’s a series of books and built around the idea of “How to Dismantle Fear in Your Daily Living, Dreaming and Doing”. It is really been cool to work on and see God grow this thing. Its first event is in March with 10-12,000 people. There are some very exciting things going on with it, which are still being put together, but suffice it to say, it is a very exciting, humbling, thing to be a part of. I could talk for hours about it. I think has grown from a desire to multiply talent, and fear just mucks it up.
What do you like to do when you “unplug”? Read, break-dance, and run with the bulls. Not really.
What is the best music or artist you have recently discovered? We have a new artist David Ask who is amazing. His voice will lift you an inch and a half off the floor. You’ll be hearing a lot form him in the near future.
THANKS JOHN!
Well, they finally wrapped up season number six and the first major network season of Nashville Star on NBC tonight. The viewing audience had a choice between two finalist – Melissa Lawson or Gabe Garcia. In what was overall a very hard to watch (and listen to) series that included far too many very untalented singers – the last two standing were unquestionably the best of the bunch.
Gabe Garcia was good, but he just doesn’t stand out vocally from other male vocalist in the country format. He does have a unique look, and oh how the country format is desperately needing diversity! The best vocalist, and the ultimate winner of Nashville Star, Melissa Lawson, delivered when she needed to. I thought she was unremarkable at first, but she steadily improved. Congratulations to both Melissa and Gabe and best of luck for what is next.
All of that said however, I still stand by my initial review of Nashville Star when I stated that Natalie Hemby crushes all of them. See that post here.
If another Nashville Star is in the works, I hope they work on sound production a bit more, replace Billy Ray as host, and please……for all that is good and merciful…….find more than two decent artists.
Lefsetz lets loose with comments on digital sales for the week of 7/13. Here a few choice morsels that should wake you up if you are living in the past……….
SINGLE TRACKS
27. Madonna (featuring Justin Timberlake) “4 Minutes”
Sales this week: 35,751
Percentage change: -17
Weeks on: 17
Cume: 1,904,262
Stunningly, the album, “Hard Candy”, didn’t make the Top 50 digital album sales chart this week.
Overall album sales are 589,961, with the package residing at number 63.
Sure, you might say she was always a singles artist. But she used to move millions of albums. Now, people only want her single.
102. Kenny Chesney “Better As A Memory”
Sales this week: 12,244
Percentage change: -18
Weeks on: 12
Cume: 186,035
This is utterly astounding. This was a NUMBER ONE RECORD, and it only sold 186,035 copies?
Obviously, the country music business is on the verge of turmoil. Because once its audience gets computers and iPods the Nashville cats are gonna lose control. They’re still living in the nineties, thinking it’s all about radio dictation. But when one gets an iPod, one’s tastes/desires broaden and one is no longer limited to what’s being forced down one’s throat.
ALBUM CHART
13. Blind Pilot “3 Rounds & A Sound”
Sales this week: 4,444
There is no physical album.
It’s only $7.99 on iTunes and was released on the indie Expunged Records.
I’d say this is the future.
Word spreads online, people buy it online. No sales department, no returns, no accounts issues. You may not know about this act, but they and their label don’t care. They’ve got fans who believe they’re credible (no singles on the chart) and they’re on their way to making money, since their overhead is so low.
Either you sell the act, making people believe they stand for something and will be here tomorrow, or you sell the single. There’s more money in the album, but the public, especially the young, net-savvy public, has been burned so many times, it’s wary of albums. Or, it just doesn’t believe in albums, viewing music as evanescent grease. Make them believers if you want to establish a retirement account.
I watched Nashville Star last night and was very disappointed that Nashville and country music were being represented so poorly. Frankly, it was embarrassing. If that’s the best finalists they can come up with 
then something is terribly amiss in their marketing strategy or our format is in serious trouble. I think a couple of the contestants were okay and have potential, but there was only one future star on stage and that was Natalie Hemby.
No she’s not a finalist, but rather was the backup vocalist for Blake Shelton on his performance of ”Home” last night. I recently saw Natalie during a showcase at The Rutledge and she is a phenomenal songwriter and vocalist. Exactly what the country format needs more of as opposed to what is being delivered by Nashville Star. Go check out Natalie here. Give a listen to her songs, especially ”The Bees”, “Place To Shine”, and a brand new song she wrote entitled “Wailing Wall”. Even in its demo form it kills.
During the evening I was also reminded how much Nashville labels need to get off their lazy haunches and go discover real artists as opposed to relying on the conveyor belt of talent shows and retreads from other formats.
It is supremely talented artists like Natalie that keeps my hope alive for this town.
Whiskey Falls is hitting the road hard this summer with tour dates in England, France, Canada and even a volcano in Japan. In between three months of shows across the U.S., the band will make stops in Canada in June, England and France in July and play the Country Gold Festival at the largest active volcano in Japan in October. The dates in Europe and Japan mark the first shows the band has ever played outside North America.
Sean Ross at Edison Media Research has written an interesting post about the infusion of former Top 40 artists, namely Bon Jovi, Jessica Simpson, Jewel and Darius Rucker, into the country format.
While I directly identify with a label’s desire to create a buzz and sell masses of product, especially in this current environment, I don’t think the deluge of crossover artists is good for our format in the long run. There will always be exceptions and artists that will make a seamless move into country, but most of these acts are not the answer to the questions that plague our industry. They may actually be exactly the wrong thing we need right now.
Mr. Ross nails it when he writes:
“As for the Country labels, the new transition artists are indeed providing a welcome infusion of energy. But you worry that former pop artists (or TV contestants) could be mistaken for a long-term A&R strategy. Ultimately, Country also needs its artists who look forward as well as back and sound like nothing we’ve ever heard on the radio.” (my own emphasis)
Check out the entire article HERE.
LANCE SMITH
Video host/personality CMT
Previous Positions: Bartender, shoe salesman, struggling actor
Years in the biz: 10
Marital Status: Married, 3yrs
Kids: 2 dogs
I know you have an interesting schedule, but what compromises a typical day for you? It all depends on the day. My work load can be very sporadic. But typically when we shoot the Top 20 Countdown, I arrive around 8:30am, make-up at 9:00, rolling by 10:00. This all, of course, is dependent on my coffee intake that morning. Sometimes we don’t roll until 11:00. Then, if we have an artist on the show that day we shoot what we can around their interview. When the artist arrives we tape the interview and then wrap everything else up when they leave. On a shoot day I’m usually gone between 4:00 and 5:00
Have you appeared in any movies or television shows other than CMT? If so, which ones? I had small parts in Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector, as well as Delta Farce, also starring Larry the Cable Guy. I’m not stalking him. I’m just managed by Parallel Entertainment in LA. They handle the Blue Collar guys along with some other really great talent… and then there’s me.
What are the biggest changes you have seen happen in the music business? How about CMT?As for the music business, what hasn’t changed? Let’s face it, technology dictates our future, both in and out of the business. Adapt or move out of the way. Luckily Nashville (and the country music business) has always moved at its own pace but eventually change does come. As for CMT I would say the biggest change is the number of hats the network must wear. Are we a music channel? Sure. But with music and videos so readily available through a wide variety of formats CMT has to offer so much more to that same audience.
What was the most memorable experience you have had in your career? Touring. I’ve hit the road on a few major tours including the Dixie Chicks, Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts. And with respect to those artists, it has nothing to do with them. You can watch all the YouTube videos you want and search MySpace for days but you don’t really connect with people until you get off the bus at some random Steak and Shake in Nebraska at midnight and talk with the night shift.
What other projects are you involved with besides those with CMT? There’s always an iron or two in the fire but I’m most excited about a children’s book I’m publishing and releasing early this fall. It’s titled The Old Man and The Cat and I can’t wait to get it out there. It’s a story poem in the form of a picture book. Buy it for a kid you know or the kid in you! (this plug brought to you without shame)
What is the most pressing problem the music business faces today? Finding its balance once again and getting ahead of the curve.
Who has had the most influence on you in your career thus far? Why? I wish I could answer that with a single name. But the truth is that I’m influenced by many people for many reasons. Anyone who’s shown real integrity and honesty.
What are your favorite televisions shows, web sites and/or blogs? Is there anything else on other than CMT? (wink)
As for websites, everyone should spend some time on www.ted.com. The greatest ideas and discussions are born there. And I’m a big Rives fan (he’s a spoken word poet) so check out www.shopliftwindchimes.com.
Favorite place to travel or vacation? The theater in my house.
What advice would you give someone wanting to get into the music business? Have passion for the art first and foremost regardless of where you want to be in the business. After that, just be nice to people because you’ll see everyone again when you’re either sharing a place at the top or on the way back down to the middle.
What is the most significant change you have seen in the music and/or video industry? It’s not really a change because it happens every decade but I love how everyone’s gone country. How many times does a pop/rock artist say “Well I’ve always wanted to make a country album.”? Wonderful. There’s room on the dance floor.
What are you looking forward to most? Once again for the retail price of $18.50 this fall you can take home what’s sure to be a children’s classic for years to come! Buy two copies of The Old Man and The Cat by Lance Smith, one for you and one for a friend.
What do you like to do when you “unplug”? Fish.
I’m ready for another round of “Rock Band”! What is the highest level or score you have ever posted? I’m not really a score hound but I know I hit 200,000+ consistently. But you’ll have to come over because I got a second guitar so I’m a full on nerd!
What is your favorite charities? ARC and Outlook Nashville
THANKS LANCE!
It’s Emerson Drive with their rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner delivered on June 1st before the Best Buy 400 NASCAR race at Dover Speedway.
Whiskey Falls performing the National Anthem for the Frogmen in the Morning at K-FROG/Riverside, CA. Recorded in part during the radio broadcasts at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville.
The CMA Music Festival, otherwise better known as Fan Fair, is officially kicking off today. I have already escorted a few acts by to the early morning radio broadcasts taking place and will be checking out Emerson Drive’s Fan Club show this afternoon.
In honor of the festival this week, check out this TNN video from Fan Fair 20 years ago. A lot has changed, but the fans keep coming back.
The demographic of country radio is skewing higher. The more we chase the demo, the higher the age keeps getting. Logic would tell us that in order to grow the format we can’t rely on the older demo, but the younger. The future. They are the shapers of media and culture who are finding more and more on demand entertainment.
It would seem wise to catch the next generation of listeners while we still have the chance. Offer them not only the latest music and content, but create innovative platforms to feed their “self broadcasting” lifestyle. Engage them with podcasts, web sites, social networks, texting, and mobile. Catch them before terrestrial radio loses its rank among their entertainment options, of which their are already too many.
It doesn’t mean the older demo needs to be tossed aside since they are key targets for advertisers, but so are the younger demos. There is a way to get the kid and their parents. Country radio can be edgy, hip and play exciting new music right along with the safe superstars. After all, we are a ”family format” right?
Give them REAL music variety within a framework of multiple platforms and we just may be able to hang on to the next generations. How can it be done with a 15 or 20 song playlist? There is no discovery or excitement in that. It’s time to move forward. The format has a wealth of young and talented new artists to lead the way if given the opportunity.
The indications are that teens and twentysomethings find themselves currently apathetic to radio and if country radio doesn’t welcome them in and create a demand then we will lose them. You think ratings and records sales are hurting now? Just wait till we let the new generation slip away as we follow the increasingly older demo up the mountain and off the cliff.
A handful of companies are trying to make it happen, but the majority still focus on the way things worked in the past and making decisions according to an outdated model. There is incredible and unprecedented opportunity if we will just seize it.
JOJO CERDA
PD Clear Channel KTEX/McAllen-Harlingen-Brownsville, TX
Previous Stations & Positions: 
KTEX Production Director
KVEO-NBC TV Promotions Director
KFRQ On-Air Mid-days
Years in the biz: 1989…19 yrs?…geez – doesn’t seem that long…cool
Marital Status: Married
Kids: Daughter Katlyn 10 yrs. old
You have a distinctive market for country music in South Texas. What adjustments do you make to the sound of the station and to the music that addresses the challenges you face? KTEX is in the McAllen/Harlingen/Brownsville/South Padre Island, Texas market…from here, we are about 10 minutes from the border to Mexico…we’re about as far south as you can go before you dip into the Rio Grande River. This market is about 88% Hispanic, although we have the highest English speaking listenership of all the stations in the market. We share a lot of audience with the Spanish stations. Surprisingly, we also share a lot with our Churban sister station. Our listeners love Strait, Chesney, Toby, and Texas favorites Lawrence, Walker, and Jackson. We have a group of songs that we sprinkle into the mix that have a South Texas flavor to them…it’s kinda like gravy on our potatoes. There’s nothing hick or hick-spanic about our on air presentation.
How famous are you and Patches in South Texas? I think Patches is more famous than I am…People are always walking up to me saying “Hey Patches, how’s it going?”…I tell them that “I’m Jo-Jo – the younger, cute one with a tan….Patches is the older, more mature one wearing the Depends”. It’s funny – we always talk about it on the air – how people confuse us – or think that we are always together – truth is – we don’t hang out – we are two totally different people with totally separate lives. I always get asked “Where’s Patches?” like it’s my day to take care of him – geez.
How did the radio bug bite you? In junior high, I knew I needed to “Communicate.” Since then I worked at the school newspaper and yearbook…went to college & majored in R/TV…the rest is history.
Are you currently utilizing, or planning to utilize: podcasts, video, texting or other digital technology in your programming and promotions? If so, in what way?
My contract stresses digital technology, so I kinda have to. We post artist interviews & events on our web site…I’m trying to convince Patches (partner) to buy a video camera, since he’s a grandpa – it’s easier to convince his wife of a purchase.
What is the most pressing problem radio faces today? There are too many to list – but the short list is: budget cuts that affect personalities, merchandising, promotions….in the other corner – iPods, digital downloads satellite radio (& others) are taking away from local radio listening…there are a lot more options of entertainment.
What can record labels and artists do to better serve you and your station?
Is the FCC going to read this? I’d better not chance it…let me be P.C. – I think having a better understanding of the local market is key…country listeners want to know all they can about the people they hear on the radio – this format lends itself to that – the more labels take new artists around to introduce them to radio & it’s listeners, the more we can all win…radio shows are very valuable.
You and the Patchman have excellent chemistry on the air. Has it been that way from the beginning? Do you guys get tired of each other? Tired of each other? I don’t think we ever got accustomed to each other…I’ve known “The Patch Daddy” for a long time – he’s cool in his own sorta way. He’s a funny guy & I lean on him to be the smart one of the group. We’ve been partners (so to speak) for 5 years – he hasn’t changed for me – it’s like a marriage…after we’re done with our “thing” he goes his way & I go mine…kinda like the cartoon with the coyote & the dog – where they’d watch over the sheep. He handles the music & I run around the building playing the political game – it works out well for both of us.
What are your favorite web sites and blogs? I’m a huge Dallas Cowboys fan – gotta keep up with them. For prep purposes, CMT, GAC, all the TV networks, and movies.com.
Do you feel there are enough concerts that come through your market? If no, how have you addressed that issue? It’s an uphill battle – we are 4 hours from San Antonio & 2 hours from Corpus Christi….CC is a terrible market for concerts – SA is good – but the routing is not always convenient. We have a small arena & the market is willing to pay to go to shows – however, artists have a cap on their tickets – understood – a lot of our listeners end up in SA or Houston at shows to see the bigger acts…which they end up spending the same amount if the ticket were priced higher. I’ve made it a point to reach out to as many managers & booking agents – I’ve started to make some waves…yee haw!
How are the Cowboys going to do this season? How do you feel the draft went for them? The ‘Pokes will be fine…we’ve got to get over the “first round hump”. We’ve got the members – now its time to bring it all together – Jerry Jones continues to show that his playmakers will be rewarded. I talked to Terence Newman – he was really happy about his extension…draft choices – only time will tell…I’m eager to see our top 2 choices – you don’t get drafted that high to sit on the bench.
Do you ever play local or regional country acts? If so, do you have a success story?
We have a local act (Texas Heat) that we have nurtured through the years – we’ve seen them grow musically & in stage presence. They have done lots of promo events with us…they’ve gone & recorded a CD – that is pretty good – we’re proud of them. KTEX has a “Texas Saturday Night Party” Show that features Texas artists or songs about Texas – we have included T.H. in the mix…T.H. is looking for a label, btw.
What advice would you give someone wanting to get into the music business?
Be humble, give it your all – you will never know everything and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Working late & on weekends will not kill you!
How important is it for a station to be local for their specific market? As much local information the PD may feed the voice tracker or syndicated host – nothing beats local personalities…you’ve got to feel the vibe around town…no disrespect to “trackers” but there’s always dialect, phrasing, & events that you just can’t get from an email from the PD hundreds of miles away.
What are you looking forward to most? I guess football season, the next Wrestlemania, the next time I can go to Vegas…when I hit my bonus…yeah!
What do you like to do when you “unplug”? It’s hard for me to unplug…even at home, I’ll be watching TV & thinking of the show for the next day. I have learned to back off a lot over the last couple of years, though…I’m usually online or watching Tila Tequila, Flavor Of Love, The Kardashians, or WWE Raw!
Thanks JoJo!
The Lucky Bucks are on the verge. The new trio is made up of brothers Matt and Andy Thompson with lead singer Jay Clementi. Although Clementi is the front man, the two brothers can also deliver fantastic vocals as witnessed in their two former creations – The Thompson Brothers and The Massacoustics. Both acts are also two favorites of The Music Advisory and THIS CD is still one of TMA’s all time favorites. Each Thompson incarnation could easily be featured here, but we thought best to share their latest musical evolution.
The Lucky Bucks were in the studio for a while with producer Radney Foster and you can get a taste of what they cooked up on their MySpace site and on YouTube. One of the videos is below.
This is an extremely talented group of guys. Jay has prime vocals, Matt can own the drums and bass (at the same time!) and Andy blazes on lead guitar. Together they have a sound that must be heard and a show that needs to be seen live.
Word has it that the guys lost their major label deal at Warner Brothers after being courted by them and Sony/BMG. This even before a debut single was released to radio. Another story coming out of Music Row that doesn’t make any sense, but The Music Advisory expects their luck to change for the better and that we will be hearing more exciting offerings from The Lucky Bucks.
Adam Gregory is featured on the AOL music web site The Boot. Give a look to Adam’s “New Face” feature here.
We climbed in altitude this week, as I drove Adam Gregory around Colorado. I love the state and the stations there are very accommodating to seeing new artists.
KCCY/Colorado Springs loaded up the conference room with a large staff gathering who Adam played for. Pictured L to R: Me, Adam, MD Chris Brooks, and PD Jesse Garcia. Great guys I’ve known for a long time.
KATC/Colorado Springs was gracious enough to welcome Adam into their studio for an interview and performance. Thanks to the Cat Country folks for the airplay and airtime. L to R: MD Wingnut, Adam, and PD Jim West.
Jones Radio Network welcomed Adam, and as always, made the most out of having an artist stop by their studios. Adam went live on two of their syndicated stations and performed songs, then went into the production room to cut liners and perform a few songs for future use. It’s always nice to see the staff at Jones. Pictured is OM/PD Jim Murphy and Adam.
The last stop was the mighty KYGO/Denver. Thanks to Joel Burke, Garret Doll and staff for having us in their Coors performance room. Pictured is Adam and MD Garret Doll.
