A
Little Foul Play - of the Baseball Variety –
Finds Country Star Jason Michael Carroll
Arista Nashville chart-topper Jason Michael
Carroll hit one out of the park with his #1
album, Waitin’ in the Country, which remains the
best-selling debut disc by a country male in the
past year. And as he racks up his own impressive
singles stats, with his Top 5 “Alyssa Lies” and
current Top 25 chart-climber, “Livin’ Our Love
Song,” the similarities between baseball and
music terminology became all the more apparent,
as Carroll found himself the unintended target
of a wayward hit last Monday.
A major sports fan, Carroll took time out while
working in Los Angeles to see the Dodgers play
the Phillies, and was thrilled to attend his
third major league game, only to be struck by a
foul ball from 2000 National League MVP and
frequent All-Star, Dodger Jeff Kent. “How random
was that?!” Carroll smiled.
After hitting a homerun earlier in the game, a
subsequent at-bat was no pop-up, but a powerful
drive that fouled right at Carroll. “From his
bat to my elbow,” Carroll recalled, “it was
zoomin’!” Ironically, the lyrics to “Looking at
You” (a track on Jason Michael’s album) include
the words “a foul ball hit me right between the
eyes,” but fortunately, this one just smacked
Carroll on the elbow. (Photo available on
request.)
Paramedics were on the spot, but all was well.
With souvenir ball in hand, “They were treating
me like the chosen one,” he laughed. And Carroll
knows how to appreciate a cool moment, buying a
bat at the stadium, engraved with his name, the
date, and the words, “Hit by #12 Foul Ball.”
Carroll notes that an autographed ball from Jeff
Kent and hopefully a DVD of the foul play are
both in the works.
Carroll, who made multiple appearances at this
summer’s CMA Music Festival, including
performing the opening set on the first night of
the main stage coliseum shows, can be seen in
online interview footage from the Festival
airing now in webisode five at http://abc.go.com/primetime/cma/index.
The segment is all part of the excitement
leading up to tonight’s ABC airing of CMA Music
Festival: Country’s Night to Rock.
This week, Carroll’s current single, “Livin’ Our
Love Song,” climbs the country airplay charts to
#23 in Billboard/R&R, and advances to #22 in
Country Aircheck.
Fans can check out www.jasonmichaelcarroll.com
for all the latest tour info as Jason Michael
heads toward a string of September and October
dates opening the superstar Alan Jackson/Brooks
& Dunn tour.
Kenny
Chesney’s Record #1 “Never Wanted Nothing More”
Never Slowed Down… Fastest #1 Yet
It leaked 56 hours before it was supposed to be
released—and found its way into the Top 40. It
hit the Top 10 in three weeks—and the Top 5 in
two more. Now, just 7 weeks after its official
release date -- 53 days for people who split
hairs—Kenny Chesney’s Southern rock/bluegrass
hybrid “Never Wanted Nothing More” hits the top
of the Country Singles chart without slowing
down.
“That thing hit the air, and never looked back,”
Chesney laughs. “I mean, everybody knows that
something of wanting something so bad you can
taste it… whether it’s a truck, a girl or
whatever. We’ve all been there—and that moment
when you’re closing in, well, there really is
nothing like it in this world. I’m just glad to
know I’m not the only one to feel that way!”
The song—from bluegrass staple Ronnie Bowman and
hard country hitmaster Chris Stapleton—offers a
big helping of plucky banjo, serious acoustic
guitar and Chesney’s gutsy good ole boy
baritone. Like Chesney himself, it’s a slice of
the way life, love and longing is beyond the
rush-rush.
“Yeah, that song is pretty much everything I
grew up on,” says the reigning and three-time
Academy of Country Music and two-time and
current Country Music Association Entertainer of
the Year. “You’ve got your bluegrass running all
through it, and your Southern rock underneath…
It’s not something you could’ve just come up
with, but it’s a pretty tough combination to
beat.”
“Never Wanted Nothing More” is also Chesney’s
quickest #1. The multiple week chart-toppers
“When The Sun Goes Down” and “There Goes My
Life” held the quickest banner—taking only nine
weeks to scale the charts. With only seven full
weeks of airplay, the lead single from the
Luttrell, Tennessean’s eagerly anticipated Just
Who I Am: Poets & Pirates, his first new music
in two years, is striking a chord with country
music fans across the nation.
Midway through the standing-room-only Flip Flop
Summer Tour, presented by Cruzan, Chesney has
blazed through four NFL stadiums, a handful of
college bars and every major arena in the
nation—and this song is already being met with
the same kind of response as his biggest hits.
And with six million tickets sold over the past
five years, that’s an awful lot of fans to have
feeling the momentum.
“I know when we get up on that stage, it’s as
much a rock show as anything,” Chesney concedes.
“But all you gotta do is listen to me sing to
know I’m a country artist… and this song goes a
long way to make that point. I’m not guessing
here, I know my country music… After all, and I
think I’ve said this before, where else but
country music could you get laid and saved in
the same three minutes? But life hits you fast -
and that’s everything this song is about.”
Chesney hits Saratoga’s Performing Arts Center
before sliding into Holmdel, NJ’s PNC’s Bank
Arts Center, then on to Patriots Stadium in
Foxboro, Massachusetts. This marks the third
year in a row that the man -- who’s written hits
like “Beer in Mexico,” “I Go Back” and “Fall In
Love,” as well as “Take Me There,” the lead
single from Rascal Flatts’ follow-up to their
quadruple Platinum Me and My Gang - has sold the
New England Patriots’ football stadium out in
less than 15 minutes.
Prophets Quartet to Make
Debut Performance at 8th Annual SoGospelNews Fan
Festival
The newly reorganized Prophets Quartet will be
making their debut performance at the 8th Annual
SoGospelNews Fan Festival this week.
The new group will be performing for the first
time in front of family, friends, fans, and
industry personnel on Thursday, July 26, 2007.
The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will
take place at the River of Life Church in
Smyrna, Tennessee.
The Prophets Quartet has been in preparation for
their industry debut for months. The group was
revived by Prophets Quartet owner Ed Hill. The
group features Hill on baritone, Southern Gospel
pioneer Bill Baize on tenor, Gaither Homecoming
favorite Mike Allen on bass, and newcomer Paul
Jackson on lead. The quartet’s pianist is
Southern Gospel mainstay Johnny Minick.
The group will perform with a live band for the
concert.
Ed Hill said, “We have been anticipating this
event for months! When Deon & Susan Unthank
asked us to participate in their event, we
jumped at the chance! What better way to
introduce ourselves to fans than through a fan
based concert series?”
“We’re expecting to have a grand time at this
concert,” mentioned Johnny Minick. “I’ve
participated for several years in the
SoGospelNews Fan Festival, and it really is a
great event! I know the guys are going to really
enjoy themselves.”
In addition to the Prophets Quartet, the evening
will also feature performances from Mercy’s
Mark, TK & McRae, Johnny Minick & Friends,
Everyday Driven, and Ann Downing.
The Prophets Quartet has been in the studio
preparing for two new releases that will be
available by the end of the year. More
information will be available on those
recordings soon.
More information on the newly revived quartet
will be available at
http://www.prophetsquartet.com.
Steep
Canyon Rangers Are Lovin’ Pretty Women
The Steep Canyon Rangers, one of the most vital,
exciting bluegrass bands working the format
today, are set to release Lovin’ Pretty Women,
the band’s latest CD since winning the
International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA)
“Emerging Artist” award. Hit songwriter and
fellow IBMA award-winner Ronnie Bowman produced
the album. Rebel Records is the esteemed home to
this incendiary and road-tested band. The record
will drop nationally on August 14, 2007. Lovin’
Pretty Women will guarantee this group’s
continued ascent to the top of the bluegrass
ranks, while reaching new audiences as they
expose their own unique and timeless style to a
wider and more diverse audience on the road.
The Steep Canyon Rangers are Graham Sharp
(banjo, lead and harmony vocals), Woody Platt
(guitar and lead vocals), Charles R. Humphrey
III (bass and harmony vocals), Mike Guggino
(mandolin and harmony vocals), and Nicky Sanders
(fiddle and harmony vocals).
The Steep Canyon Rangers dig even deeper into a
traditional bluegrass sound on Lovin’ Pretty
Women, but with a sophisticated twist. It’s an
album filled with the vim and vigor of a band in
love with making music. The Rangers have written
their own material since they first started
jamming together in a stairwell on the campus of
UNC. The group is blessed with artistic vision,
a gift for songwriting and an intense desire to
create their own unique sound. That’s why the
Rangers have been able to honor the bluegrass
masters who came before them while nudging the
genre forward in new and exciting ways.
“Traditionally bluegrass bands have gotten by
playing all the standards,” says Sharp. “Most of
those songs have all been done and they’ve been
done really well. Why try to recreate something
that you can’t outdo? So that was our
motivation, to just be original. It gave us the
opportunity to figure out how to be unique
within a format steeped in tradition.”
The new album showcases a band at the top of its
game, whether dipping their banjos and guitars
in the gospel water of “Be Still Moses” or
telling stories from the coalmines in “Call The
Captain” and “Cumberland Moon.” The Rangers'
compelling harmonies throughout are a testimony
to the band’s belief that the voice is as vital
a musical instrument as anything with strings.
Their super-tight harmonies and unique style
caught the ear of legendary artist manager Don
Light (Jimmy Buffet, Delbert McClinton, Keith
Whitley, and the Oak Ridge Boys). Light built
his reputation by spotting music visionaries
early in their careers. He saw the same spark
and intense desire in the Steep Canyon Rangers
and signed on to manage their career.
Together the Rangers and Light have been taking
the band’s music to an ever-widening audience.
In fact, the Rangers export their uniquely
American music across the Atlantic this year
when they tour Europe for the first time.
This fall they’ll also be hosting the 2nd Annual
Mountain Song Music Festival, a festival they
started to benefit the Boys & Girls Club in
Brevard, NC.
Whether they’re Lovin’ Pretty Women or making
new fans all over the world, there’s one thing
the Steep Canyon Rangers will definitely be
doing—creating timeless acoustic music that
honors tradition, while boldly moving it into
the future.
Emerson
Drive Enjoying the Moment
Ten years ago Emerson Drive's lead
singer Brad Mates was in a band called 12 Gauge,
whose six members traveled stuffed in a van
hauling a little trailer, canada.com reports.
Today, 12 Gauge has morphed into Emerson Drive
and a few weeks ago, they became the first
Canadian country band to make it to the top of
the Billboard singles chart. Now the band
travels in style aboard a touring bus complete
with big screen TV, bunk beds and all the other
comforts a bus can offer.
The band's chart-topper, "Moments," took a long
five months to complete its steady climb to the
top of the charts, appropriate for a band
hard-wired with an indomitable work ethic. Brad
and the guys — Dale Wallace, David Pichette,
Danick Dupelle, Mike Melancon and Patrick
Bourque — are almost constantly on the road. If
they get back to their Nashville homes four days
a month they're doing well.
Even with all the hard slogging, a payoff like a
No. 1 hit still comes as a shock. "I think we
all took three or four days to digest the whole
thing," Brad says. "It was a little surreal. We
were in Nashville for the Country Music
Association's Fan Fest so we never had the
opportunity to sit down and really soak it in
and celebrate. There are about 120,000 people
that show up in Nashville during that time, and
everywhere we went people were congratulating
us. So after hearing it for about three days
straight, it started to sink in."
While the guys are enjoying their current
success, they also hope they can continue the
trend. Brad tells The Tennessean, "The most
important thing that we have to do now is keep
putting out more Top 5 and Top 10 songs. That's
the only way we're going to have longevity in
this business. We want to be known as a band
like Alabama that keeps putting out hits year
after year and has a career that spans over 30
years. I think that's the ultimate goal."
No
'Holding' Nate Huss With New Single, Major Media
And Passionate Your Outreach
NATE HUSS, whose current new single release,
“Hold Me,” (Slanted Records) is impacting at AC
Christian radio, is mobilized on a major media,
touring campaign to bring his music and message
to wider audiences.
Since the May release of his debut album Here
With Me, Nate has taken flight on a full blown
outreach that targets his generation with music
that both challenges and sheds light on many of
the the major struggles today’s youth are facing
in churches all over America.
Nates says of the new single: “'Hold Me' is a
centerpiece song on the new album--one that
really zeroes in on insecurities and the fact
that God was able to come and meet me and take
all my own personal insecurities and show me in
a clear light how ridiculous they are. With so
many things I’ve been through people have come
to me and said 'Wow, you know you’ll get through
this—God’s sending you through this—and you’ll
make it!' Or you go to your pastor at church and
you want to pray and he may say, 'I'm just
praying and believing with you that you’ll get
through this.’ Sometimes you don’t want to hear
this. You want to hear, ‘Hey, it’s alright!’
God’s got you on this one—don’t worry about a
thing!’ Once you understand how big God is and
how He really loves you—you get to the point you
can say, ‘OK. God I know you’re holding this
situation now—I’m cool with that—all my stress
is gone—take the wheel. How much of a weight
leaves! It’s just really cool to know God’s in
control of it all."
His favorite environment is the small youth
group setting, where, with acoustic guitar and
few production frills, the 22 year old Phoenix
native makes it clear he totally “gets” the
scene that the world offers today’s kids. Given
away at birth and adopted at two weeks of age
into a Christian family of eight multi-cultural
kids from around the globe, to say Nate Huss has
overcome an “identity crisis” would be
understatement. He’s on a crash course to share
the wisdom.
“We’ve even added a special click on Nate’s
website (http://www.natehuss.com/) for youth
pastors to sign-up not only for free concerts
for their kids, but for us to commit Nate’s
ministry team to pray for the youth groups,”
notes his manager Stephen Weaver of the
Dreamweaver Agency. “Nate is the real deal in
wanting to be a positive force with youth and he
reflects it in the amount of time we spend in
looking for these opportunities for him,” added
Weaver.
The
Roys - Country's Hottest New Brother/Sister Due
Releases "Workin' Girl Blues"
Brother/sister duo, The Roys, have released
their new single, "Workin' Girl Blues,"
scheduled to impact radio July 30, on
Pedestal/Nine North Records. A video for the
single, directed by Stephen Shepherd for Ruckus
Film and co-starring comedy genius, “Killer”
Beaz, will be released concurrently nationwide.
Written by Lee Roy and Kenny Royster, and
produced by Royster, "Workin' Girl Blues," is
the perfect up-tempo fix for the work-a-day
doldrums - full of acoustic guitars, Dobro, sass
and attitude.
Influenced
by the likes of Dolly Parton and Ricky Skaggs,
Lee and Elaine Roy compliment each other’s
strong lead vocal styles with beautiful sibling
harmonies. Natives of Fitchburg, Massachusetts,
The Roys started performing together in local
talent shows, and at family get-togethers at a
young age. After years of working their local
music scene, they have fulfilled a
lifelong-dream by moving to Nashville, where
they recently signed a record deal with
Pedestal/Nine North Records. The Roys are
currently in production of a new album, slated
to hit stores in January, ‘08.
Country Weekly recently "Spotted" The Roys in
the Kansas City airport (July 30 issue) as the
duo began an ongoing tour - criss-crossing the
nation in an aggressive campaign to promote "Workin'
Girl Blues" to radio, where the early response
to the song has been overwhelmingly positive.
The Roys have assembled an all-star team of
industry veterans to help launch "Workin' Girl
Blues," and their career; National radio
promotion for The Roys is being handled by the
teams of Larry Pareigis and Nine North Records,
Jerry Duncan and Jerry Duncan Promotions, Jim
Alderdice and Grassroots Promotions, Rick Kelly
and Marco Promotions, and Diane Richey and Diane
Richey Promotions. Art direction and artist
development are by Janice Azrak, EyeCon LLC.
Sales and marketing are under the direction of
Neil Spielberg, Spielberg Consulting. Publicity
and marketing by Clif Doyal, CDA
Promotions-Nashville. Video promotion is by
Craig Bann for Aristo Media. The Roys are
managed by G. Gerald Roy, of Stellar
Entertainment.
For more information about The Roys go to:
www.TheRoysCountry.com, or visit them
at:
www.myspace.com/theroyscountryelaineandlee
New
Day to Host Release Concert for New Recording –
Soul Searchin’ Concert Also to Honor Military
Texas based trio New Day will be hosting a
release concert for the group’s new recording –
Soul Searchin’. The concert will take place on
Friday, August 3, 2007 at Trinity Life Baptist
Church in Garland, Texas. The concert will begin
promptly at 7:30 p.m. and will also feature
special guest Southern Spirit Quartet. New Day
will be performing material from their brand new
recording Soul Searchin’.
“We are so excited about this new album,”
mentioned Kelley Matthews of New Day. “We have
fallen in love with all the new songs, and we
can’t wait for everyone to hear the new
material.”
The concert will also honor the United States
Military who are currently serving in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Those planning on attending the
event are encouraged to bring an item to donate
to the military (such as baby wipes, twin size
sheets, hard candy, Ramen noodes, phone calling
cards, etc.).
Bob Reeves of New Day said, “We have such a
heart for the military serving in the Middle
East. We know that people feel like there is
nothing they can do, but every little bit helps.
We hope that this event will lead to moments of
encouragement for our military.”
New Day released Soul Searchin’ last week. The
new album was produced by Jessica Harrison
(Hope’s Call). Harrison has previously worked on
recordings for the Jody Brown Indian Family, The
Dills, and more. Soul Searchin’ was engineered
by Joe Carrell. Vocals were recorded at Daywind
Studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
The new album also features brand new songs
written by heavy hitting songwriters like
Rebecca J. Peck, Tim Parton, John Robinson, and
Dottie Rambo. Jessica Harrison also contributed
to the songwriting efforts as well as group
members Kelley Matthews and Pam Reeves.
The first single from the recording will be
announced at a later date. The group currently
has tracks from the new album streaming on their
MySpace. More information on New Day can
be found at their home on the web:
http://www.newdayministriesonline.com/.
Fans can visit New Day on MySpace by visiting
http://www.myspace.com/newdayministries.
iebaLIVE
To Honor Arny Grant & Jerry Mickelson, Styx,
LeAnn Rimes, Rob Beckham And Wayne McCrary
The International Entertainment Buyers'
Association (ieba) has announced the first of
many recipients to be honored at the 37th Annual
iebaLIVE! Awards Banquet on October 16, 2007.
The much-anticipated ceremony salutes local and
national industry leaders and is the culminating
event of the iebaLIVE! Conference each year.
This year, ieba will recognize Arny Granat &
Jerry Mickelson of Jam Productions, and
legendary rock band Styx with Career "Lifetime
Achievement Awards," Curb Recording Artist LeAnn
Rimes with the Humanitarian Award, and Rob
Beckham with the Industry Impact Award. Barbara
Mandrell will present the Founders Award to
longtime ieba member, Wayne McCary.
Additional categories yet to be announced
include Entertainment Buyer of the Year, Agent
of the Year, Concert Promoter of the Year, Venue
of the Year and many more.
Bryan
White Gets In Tune With Endorsements
Bryan White is barreling back to the forefront
of the music scene beginning with recent
endorsement deals with McPherson Guitars and
Westone Music Products in addition to a new
album in the works.
“McPherson Guitars’ unique craftsmanship and
sound instantly drew me in,” White says of
McPherson Guitars. He continues, “They are
incredibly well crafted and sonically unique.
Live and in the studio they inspire me and make
me play with great confidence. They really have
their own identity.” Other McPherson Guitar
endorsees include Brad Paisley and Amy Grant and
many more.
White found a second endorsement deal with
Westone Music Products, an in-ear monitor
company. Used regularly in performances of
various magnitudes, Westone gives White the
sound quality to perform with perfection to an
intimate group or an immense crowd. "In all my
years of using musicians' monitors, this is the
first time I've ever had the clarity I've
needed. The frequency response keeps me from
giving so much effort, and it brings something
out of me that I've never gotten out of my old
musicians' monitors. I'm excited about working
with Westone," says White.
An award winning recording artist, White boasts
six number one singles and two platinum albums
to date and is currently in the studio wrapping
his upcoming new project. White’s current
Covenant Productions EP Out of the Storm marks
his first studio album in four years. The
finished full-length project will showcase a
collection of self-penned songs featuring his
distinctive voice. A release date is yet to be
announced.
White recently wrapped a full week of CMA Music
Festival activities. White was spotted bowling
in the Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the
Kids Bowling Party benefiting St. Jude’s and
sponsored by GAC; lending a helping hand in
building a home for Habitat for Humanity;
performing at Riverstages to a crowd of 4,000
screaming fans at the utterance of “I’M BACK!”;
waving to a raving crowd at the CMA Music
Festival Kick-Off Parade from the back of a
Chevrolet truck; spending hours upon hours
signing autographs and meeting with fans around
downtown Nashville, and performing live on Fox &
Friends to round out the busy week.
Currently touring the United States and Canada,
White could be coming to a venue near you. Visit
www.bryanwhite.com for tour dates and news and
to purchase the latest EP.
For more information on McPherson Guitars and
Westone Music Products visit
www.mcphersonguitars.com and
www.westone.com/music respectively.
For more about Bryan, visit
www.bryanwhite.com
John
Waller Performs On K-Love's Morning Show With
Jon & Sherry
John Waller recently appeared LIVE on K-LOVE
radio’s national Morning Show with Jon and
Sherry, performing on-air at the ranch in
Forestburg, Texas. Waller played songs from his
debut album, The Blessing, including current
radio single, “Still Calls Me Son.”
Waller is also gearing up for a busy touring
schedule this fall as he joins multi-platinum
selling band Casting Crowns on its 36-city The
Altar and The Door tour. The tour kicks off
Sept. 27 in San Antonio, Texas.
Brad
Paisley Gets Free Chocolate
Brad Paisley, who is currently traveling across America on his Bonfires &
Amplifiers tour, thanks to Hershey's, says his sponsorship is working out great.
Brad tells Dial-Global that it's the dream of every artist to find the right
collaboration with a sponsor, but you have to be careful.
"You don't want to do Depends undergarments, you don't want to do Viagra," he
says. "Your career as a music artist can hinge upon what you say and what you
represent. So, association with a company is risky."
Brad says it's important to choose the right company as a sponsor. "It's gotta
be a reputable one, or you run the risk of shortening your career or at least
making yourself seem cartoonish," he says. "And I like it that this is a tour
sponsorship that is something I heavily endorse. I'm gonna need a Gold's Gym
sponsorship next, but I love the free chocolate."
TONIGHT
Is ‘County’s Night To Rock’ On ABC-TV
“Country's Night To Rock", tonight at 9 p.m. (ET), is the overall theme for
ABC-TV's two-hour special featuring highlights of the CMA Music Fest. The begins
with hi-def cameras panning over the crowd to find Sugarland in the middle,
where the introduce the headliner Rascal Flatts as the "opening act," singing
"Life Is A Highway." That is followed by Carrie Underwood. The finale sees
Miranda Lambert. Keep and eye and ear out for Reba McEntire/Kelly Clarkson's
performance.
CMTA And CBA
Release Sound Decisions, A Proprietary Nationwide Study On Christian Retail And
Music
Christian music continues to offer a critical opportunity for retailers who will
take time to understand consumer needs, explains the new proprietary nationwide
study, Sound Decisions: A Survey of Christian Music Consumers in Christian
Retail, commissioned by the Christian Music Trade Association (CMTA) and CBA,
the Association for Christian Retail.
The CMTA and CBA unveiled the final research report during the recent
International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta. The Sound Decisions report,
which helps Christian retailers understand their core music buyer and build
overall business, is now available for sale to exclusively to Christian
retailers and their suppliers through CBA.
Sound Decisions aims to answer the questions: Who are Christian and Gospel music
buyers in Christian retail? What are their experiences and preferences? What
attracts music buyers to Christian retail? The research contains Christian
product purchasing intelligence and makes recommendations specific to Christian
retail stores. The research was conducted in the last part of 2006 and early
2007 by Barna Research (a division of The Barna Group, Ltd.).
"At the same time that the overall music business is in the midst of change,
Christian and gospel music continues to make an enormous impression on our
culture. That presents an opportunity for retailers who will find ways to turn
this interest in music into increased traffic and sales,” said John W. Styll,
president of the CMTA and Gospel Music Association (GMA). "Sound Decisions
reaffirms that Christian consumers want to shop at Christian retail."
“Sound Decisions uncovers some surprising results that I believe will challenge
some previous assumptions about Christian music and its opportunities for
Christian retail,” said CBA President Bill Anderson. “The bottom line, I
believe, is that the music department still can play a starring role in
Christian retail. This report will help stores decide how to approach the future
of their music departments.”
Some key findings of the report:
There are few things more important to the success of Christian retail in the
music category than the quality of selection offered to consumers. This is an
area where Christian retail needs to improve.
Music buyers do increase traffic for all product categories at Christian retail.
One of the channel’s best chances for growth is maximizing sales from existing
Core customers, yet as much as one-third of their Christian music acquisition
occurs outside of Christian retail.
Not surprisingly, women dominate the ranks of Christian retail shoppers, but the
reason why may be. Research shows that women are more spiritually sensitive,
more active in faith-related matters, and more likely to feel motivated to
encourage others spiritually.
While women may be the biggest audience, the opportunity still exists to build
marketshare and mindshare among two key consumer audiences: young Christian
music fans and ethnic customers.
Among the information contained in the 73-page report are a detailed profile of
the Christian music consumer; analysis of the Christian retail experience;
comparisons of Christian retail to mainstream and online retail channels and
research-based recommendations and specific application suggestions.
Interviews for the Sound Decision research were conducted The Barna Group, Ltd.
of Ventura, California among 400 adults nationwide who had recently purchased
music at Christian retail. To provide a comparative context, the study also
included 1007 interviews among a random sample of adults ages 18-plus. This
national sample generated 242 interviews with Christian music buyers who had
purchased in various channels. The surveys were conducted December 20, 2006
through January 21, 2007.
The report is available for ordering at
http://cbaonline.org/nm/MusicResearch.htm.
Mindy
McCready Claims Florida Cops Roughed Her Up
Nashville-based country singer Mindy McCready was charged with assaulting her
mother Saturday in Fort Myers, Fla., and with resisting officers called to the
disturbance. The Florida native, whose songs such as "Ten Thousand Angels"
have topped country music charts, faces two misdemeanor charges of domestic
battery and resisting arrest. McCready claims deputies used excessive
force during the arrest, tackling her while she held her baby.
"It's been a nightmare," McCready said Sunday night.
The singer had returned early Saturday from a restaurant to the North Fort Myers
home of her mother, Melody Inge, and was intoxicated, said Sgt. Larry King, Lee
County Sheriff's spokesman.
"She began fighting with her mom and, at some point, she scratched her across
the face," King said.
McCready's mother called police shortly before 1 a.m. The singer gave a
different account. She said the family had been playing Scrabble at their home
when a family issue they were discussing got out of hand. She said she told
deputies they weren't needed.
"I was holding my baby at the time," McCready said of Zander McCready, 15
months. "They tackled me. They didn't give any directions. They just
tackled. There was no reason for it. To take down a woman holding a baby, it's
just not right."
A deputy took Zander from McCready as she was tackled, so he was not injured,
she said. Deputies reported that McCready wouldn't let them handcuff her.
A female deputy fought McCready to the ground and put on the handcuffs, King
said. McCready said that they broke her nose and that she has bruises all
over her body.
When the singer was booked into Lee County Jail at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday, she
caused another disturbance and wouldn't settle down when a deputy asked her to,
King said. She then refused to be handcuffed again. McCready said they
told her they weren't arresting her and they wouldn't answer when she asked why
they were taking all her personal belongings. Deputies sprayed McCready, 31,
with an agent similar to pepper spray.
By Saturday evening, she was out of jail after posting $1,000 bail. She is
scheduled to appear in court Aug. 14. The singer has had other troubles in
recent years.
In 2004, she pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining a prescription drug at a
Brentwood, Tenn., pharmacy. She said the pills were not for her. In May
2005, Billy McKnight, her then-boyfriend and father of her infant son, was
arrested and charged with attempted murder of the singer. The week before, she
had been arrested on a drunken-driving charge. She is suing McKnight for $3
million over the assault claim. In September 2005, McCready was
hospitalized for an overdose of alcohol and prescription drugs. She has
attempted suicide twice but has been in counseling, according to news media
reports.
John
Berry To Release New Single in August and Album in January 2008
John Berry will release a new single August 20th, his first new music in almost
three years. “A Woman Like You,” written by Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman, is
the first single from his new album, Those Were the Days, scheduled to street in
January 2008. Produced by Kerry Kurt Phillips, the CD will be released on
Berry’s own Clear Sky Records, which has aligned itself with radio promotion
veteran Larry Pareigis’ Nine North Records, as well as independent marketing
executive Ed Gertler and independent sales executive Neal Spielberg.
“These strategic alignments with experienced promotion, sales and marketing
people are the final elements in properly setting up Clear Sky Records,” said
label CEO Terry Oliver. “With John, we have one of the finest vocalists in
country music and now we feel we have the label team we need to set up his
releases, and market to a broader audience.”
According to Oliver, that audience is definitely there for Berry. “Here is an
artist who has multiple gold and platinum albums, a number of hit singles and is
a consistent touring act. With John, we have the proven track record.”
The Georgia tenor has been recognized by the Grammys, the Academy of Country
Music, and the Country Music Association as a nominee in the Best Male Vocalist
category. Berry’s first big hit was the #1 single, “Your Love Amazes Me.” During
his career with Capitol Records, the artist experienced a number of chart
toppers and Top 10’s, including “She’s Taken a Shine,” “Standing on the Edge of
Goodbye,” “I Think About It All The Time” and “Kiss Me in the Car,” to name but
a few.
In 2002, Berry decided to go the indie label route, started Clear Sky Records
and released a new album, titled Songs and Stories, followed in 2003 by his
Christmas CD release, O Holy Night. Inspired by the success of “Will You Marry
Me,” a song he co-wrote with David Lee Murphy, Berry also released an album of
classic love songs for Clear Sky, titled I Give My Heart.
For additional information on the artist, please visit
www.johnberry.com.
Gibson
Foundation Announces Support For Free The Children
Gibson Guitar, the world’s premier musical instrument manufacturer and leader in
music technology, announced the Gibson Foundation’s support of “Free The
Children,” the world’s largest network of children helping children. Gibson
Foundation has pledged a five-year commitment, during which it will build five,
eight-room school houses in five different provinces of China. These schools
will aid thousands of children in China and bring a much needed opportunity for
primary education with qualified teachers. Each school will be equipped with
textbooks, school furnishings and a playground.
The Gibson Foundation is the philanthropic arm of musical giant Gibson Guitar
and focuses on making the world a better place for children through its own
initiatives. The support pledged to Free The Children brings together two
organizations whose continued mission and goals impact millions each year.
Currently, 160-200 million people in China, mostly children and women in the
remote and resource-poor provinces of the country still subsist on less than $1
(US) a day. They are often without access to education services, potable water,
arable land and adequate health care services. Free The Children has targeted
five provinces for Gibson Foundation aid.
“The Gibson Foundation is committed to making the world a better place for
children,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. “We will
continue to support Free The Children in their efforts in providing education
and supplies to the thousands of children in China in such great need. We are
very proud to support such an incredible organization.”
The first school supported by the Gibson Foundation broke ground in Hebei
province in May 2007 and will be completed in December, with the anticipated
school opening in Spring 2008. Located in Northern China, the province is
extremely poor, with an average annual household income of roughly $90(US),
compared with a national per capita income of approximately $1100 (US). Due to
extreme poverty in the area, the people of the Hebei province are forced to live
in dwellings made from earth and mud as opposed to bricks or concrete.
Gibson Foundation will support other schools over the course of the next five
years which will include the Gansu, Liaoning, Guangdong and Yunan provinces. The
facilities will provide clean drinking water and sanitation systems. The plan
includes building the schools with sustainable and environmentally friendly
products and technologies. They will directly impact over 200 children and more
than 10,000 family and community members. In addition to providing the
opportunity for education, schools also remove children from dangerous working
conditions and assist in the decline of child labor.
Bellamy
Brothers Perform New Single, 'Drug Problem,' at Star-Studded Opry Night
The dynamic brother duo, The Bellamy Brothers, continue to get great reaction on
their latest CD, Jesus Is Coming, that was just released. The project is the
first Christian album from Howard and David Bellamy and features twelve new
songs and a Gospel remix of the mega-hit, “Let Your Love Flow.” The CD was
produced by The Bellamy Brothers and Randy Hiebert and is being released through
Curb/Bellamy Brothers Records.
The first single from the project, “Drug Problem,” is getting great reaction
from audiences on The Bellamy Brother’s heavy tour schedule and got a tremendous
response at the duo’s Grand Ole Opry appearance on July 17th. The Bellamy
Brothers shared the historic stage that evening with Trace Adkins, Kellie
Pickler, Jo Dee Messina, Pat Green, and other Opry regulars. The Gospel Music
Channel was backstage to capture The Bellamy Brother’s performance and get an
interview with Howard and David on their tour bus. The duo also did a radio
interview for Grand Ole Opry Weekend.
While in Nashville for the Opry, The Bellamy Brothers made good use of their
time with several other media interviews. They stopped by the studio of WKDF,
The Wolf, and spent an hour with morning show host, Shannon McCombs. They also
did radio interviews for XM Radio, Associated Press Radio, Huntsman
Entertainment, and stopped by the office of Country Aircheck for a visit with
editor, Lon Helton and staff. Then there were Christian interviews with
Homecoming Magazine, Christian Music Planet, and Power Source magazine.
Early reviews have been very supportive of Jesus Is Coming with Billboard
Magazine doing a feature story and review on the project. About.com gave a
glowing review also saying, this is a one-of-a-kind gospel album that includes
country, gospel and even blues sounds and will be a must for anyone who loves
The Bellamy Brothers. Vintage Guitar Magazine raves, combing a finely honed
musical instinct for catchy hooks and bridges with their exceptional wit The
Bellamy Brothers have created a CD that should be in every church’s musical
library. Phantom Tollbooth exclaims, In case you haven’t guessed, I have been
trying to convince you that the CD Jesus Is Coming is a good investment. So what
are you waiting for? Upcoming media coverage includes, Country Weekly (feature),
American Profile (review), The Bridge.net (feature), SoGospelNews.com (feature &
promotional contest), along with more press that will be announced soon.
Howard and David Bellamy were raised in Florida and began their musical journey
during their childhoods. Without any formal training, they mastered several
instruments and in college started playing paid gigs. In 1973, David Bellamy’s
song, “Spiders and Snakes,” became a top 5 hit for Jim Stafford and went on to
sell three million copies. David and Howard signed with Curb/Warner Bros. in
1975 and became The Bellamy Brothers. Their first hit was “Let Your Love Flow,”
followed by the Grammy-winning “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body (Would You
Hold It Against Me), “You Ain’t Just Whistlin’ Dixie,” “Kids of the Baby Boom,”
“For All the Wrong Reasons,” and “Old Hippie,” that has a new version on Jesus
Is Coming, “Old Hippie III (Saved).” The Bellamy Brothers have garnered more
nominations than any other artist in the Duo Category for the Country Music
Association and Academy of Country Music Awards. The group also maintains a
heavy tour schedule with dates in the states and in Europe.
For tour updates and more information on The Bellamy Brothers please visit,
www.bellamybrothers.com.
Provident
Records Buzz
Casting Crowns Cracks Top 10: Casting Crowns' new single "East To West" hit top
10 this week at CRW AC after only 2 weeks of charting. The hit bound song also
had the most increased spins this week overall and currently sits at No. 13 on
both R&R AC-Monitored and CRW CHR charts, and up to No. 7 on INSP.
New Glory Revealed Radio Single: “He Will Rejoice” is the second single from
Glory Revealed. The song features vocals from Trevor Morgan, and will be
impacting AC and INSP radio formats today, July 20. With lyrics inspired
directly from Zephaniah 3:17, “He Will Rejoice” was written by Third Day’s Mac
Powell, who also served as producer for the multi-artist, worship project.
John Waller on K-LOVE: John Waller recently appeared LIVE on K-LOVE radio’s
national Morning Show with Jon and Sherry, performing on-air at the ranch in
Forestburg, Texas. Waller played songs from his debut album, The Blessing,
including current radio single, “Still Calls Me Son.” Waller is also gearing up
for a busy touring schedule this fall as he joins multi-platinum selling band
Casting Crowns on its 36-city The Altar and The Door tour. The tour kicks off
Sept. 27 in San Antonio, Texas.
Sailing with Smitty: Michael W. Smith set sail for Alaska this week, for his
first-ever fan cruise. Joining him on board for the eight day cruise are his
family, special guests Leeland, Michael Olson, and comedian Bob Nelson, along
with 900 of Smith’s biggest fans. Check out his webpage for the latest pictures
and video from the cruise: www.michaelwsmith.com. His next release, A Wonderful
Christmas, is due out on October 16. More information on this collection is
forthcoming.
Now Featuring Red: GRAMMY-nominated Red has been hand-selected by Clear Channel
as its NEW! Discover Music Featured Rock Artist for the month of July. Visitors
to the site can stream five different songs from Red’s current album, End of
Silence, as well as view a video, created by Red, while recently on the road
with Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin. Red is playing multiple Christian
music festivals throughout the rest of the summer, before heading back on the
road with Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin, in October and early November
of this year. View Red’s section of the site by clicking on Clear Channel.
Tunnel Vision: Third Day is gearing up for the Aug. 7 release of new album
Chronology, Volume Two (2001-2006). Much like the companion Volume One
(1996-2000), the two-disc CD/DVD set presents many of the Atlanta-based band’s
most beloved compositions, this time from 2001-2006. The 18-track audio disc
features some of the band’s biggest hits, as well as a number of previously
unreleased live tracks from the “Wherever You Are” tour. The second disc is a
DVD offering high-energy video footage, including the video to the hit song
“Tunnel” and an hour-long, in-depth documentary titled Inside Third Day: The
First 10 Years. The “Tunnel” video is available to view here. Please standby for
more detail about a street event forthcoming.
Hitting the Airwaves: Wavorly’s latest single, “Madmen,” holds the No. 1
position this week on both the R&R and CRW Rock charts. The song is off their
debut album, Conquering the Fear of Flight, which released on June 12, 2007. The
band has a busy schedule this summer, participating in the “Revolution Calling”
tour with Red and Grits, as well as the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” tour with High
Flight Society and Our Heart’s Hero. See their MySpace page for more info and
upcoming tour dates: http://www.myspace.com/wavorly.
Britt
Nicole Is Next Big Thing At iTunes
Sparrow Records debut artist, Britt Nicole is currently one of the top two
selling Christian albums on iTunes this week. With a consistent top ranking on
the iTunes charts for her premiere CD release Say It, Britt is one of a handful
of artists in any genre chosen for the new “Next Big Thing” iTunes promotion and
one of only three Christian music artists included. For a limited time, iTunes
will offer Britt’s album at a special discount rate of $5.99 starting July 23
and running through August 7. Coinciding with the iTunes promotion, Britt’s
debut single “You” will also be available for free download beginning July 24
via www.brittnicole.com.
In addition to her overwhelming fan reception with Say It, “You,” Britt’s first
radio single also continues to climb multiple radio charts this week. The single
landed at #8 on the AC chart this week as reported by Radio & Records with 997
spins and 41 out of 54 stations on board. In addition, “You” also took the #7
slot this week at R&R CHR with 900 spins and 24 out of 28 stations on and the
#10 spot at R&R AC Indicator chart with 533 spins and 23 out of 32 stations on.
Recent adds include WFFH/Nashville, TN (and Salem Music Network); His
Radio/Greenville, SC; WAKW/Cincinnati, OH; WMHK/Columbia, SC; KTIS/Minneapolis,
MN; KLTY/Dallas, TX; K-LOVE Network; KXOJ/Tulsa, OK; WJIE/Louisville, KY; WFHM/Cleveland,
OH and WCVO/Columbus, OH. “You” continues to climb the charts and is heard on a
total of 87 Radio and Records reporting radio stations nationwide.
In support of her debut single and CD release, Britt recently completed a
multi-city, nationwide radio tour and co-hosted the "Family Friendly Morning
Show with Doug and Kim” this week. Heard on Salem's "Today's Christian Music"
network and locally at 94.1 FM The Fish, Britt joined Doug in-studio for a
special morning show appearance that was broadcast to over 100 affiliates
nationwide.
Following in the footsteps of her consistent radio success and listener
response, Britt is also currently featured on the cover of this month’s issue of
Focus on the Family’s BRIO magazine, which focuses on teaching, entertaining and
challenging teen girls toward a healthy self-concept and closer relationship
with Jesus Christ - exactly what Britt’s message is all about.
Britt is currently touring the country in support her May 2007 release Say It.
She will be performing at numerous festivals and youth camps around the nation
this summer.
For more information about Britt Nicole, please visit
www.myspace.com/brittnicolemusic and
www.brittnicole.com
Ryan
Daniel's 'A Silent Movie'
Ryan Daniel has released his debut single: "A Silent Movie"! Written by Bob
Dellaposta, "A Silent Movie" is a ballad about loving, losing, and remembering.
Ryan says the song describes how "photographs give us the chance to look back
and remember the good times, even though something may not have worked out."
Ryan served as a proud member of the United States Air Force for 9˝ years. Ryan
was deployed to the Middle East several times to serve in our fight for freedom
overseas. While in the service, he was selected to join the elite musical
touring group "Tops in Blue." As a member of this prestigious Air Force
production, Ryan toured all over the world, entertaining an estimated 250,000
troops and civilians alike. This opportunity led to him meeting his producer,
Barry Best.
In August of 2005, Ryan left the military to pursue his dream of music. Now, in
conjunction with Barry Best Productions, Ryan is producing his upcoming debut
country album Love, Life -N- Memories. "A Silent Movie" is available for
purchase on
www.RyanDaniel.org.