Issue 80 Programmers’ CRS-39 Highlights Hosting
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March 10, 2008 Issue 80 Programmers’ CRS-39 Highlights hosting. Another of my favorite moments was getting to see Another fantastic CRS is in the books with about 9% fewer country legend George Jones up close and personal. Hearing folks than last year. Not bad considering we’re on the brink of how he got his start and how he feels about country artists today recession, the Clear Channel spending freeze was an amazing conversation. I really enjoyed CRS, but wish I is still in effect and cut-backs are underway was cloned so I could have been at some of the at many other major operators. You can find sessions I missed. Four words: “I will be back!” detailed coverage of CRS-39 in our Country • WXFL & WLVS/Florence, AL PD M. Aircheck Today emails and in the official Fletcher Brown: “This was my third CRS, CRS Daily Buzz found in the archives section and I spent more time trying to meet my peers. at www.countryaircheck.com. Here some There were lots of casual conversations and idea-sharing – including business ideas and recollections from the week: Chris Huff Joel Raab • KSCS/Dallas APD/MD Chris Huff: “I philosophies. Seeing the artists mingling with the don’t think anyone who witnessed it could say rest of us is always a good thing. I understand there was anything more special than Garth that this is not a ‘fan’ event, but let’s be real. Brooks’ surprise mini-concert. In typical Garth Part of the fun of what we do is letting some fashion, he didn’t just talk about the magic -- small part of us remain a fan. CRS is the most he delivered it! And, I know attending CRS has important week of my year, for many reasons. I been one of the highlights of Les Acree’s year. will be back for CRS-40!” • KZPK/St. Cloud, MN OM Matt Senne: Even though he wasn’t able to fully participate Matt Senne Kerry Wolfe in last week’s events, just seeing him at the “This was my ninth CRS, but this year took on Country Music DJ & Radio Hall of Fame a new meaning because I was on a panel. I was ceremonies made my CRS complete. Thanks to nervous for Thursday afternoon to come, but that Jay Phillips for making it happen!” was nothing compared to Tuesday night. I rode • KBXB/Sikeston, MO PD C.J. Cruze to the 22nd floor of the Renaissance and couldn’t attended his very first CRS: “I got a lot from wait to get a cold beer, never thinking I’d need the panel on how to sound like the ‘welcoming one to stop me from sweating. station’ for a concert you’re not actually John Bowen Bob Moody continued on page 6 ©2008 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] March 10, 2008 Country Aircheck Music Edition Page 2 New Faces Show DATE CHE C K Big Machine’s Taylor Swift bounded through a speaker- shaking version of “Picture To Burn” and the crowd responded March 12-16 - South By Southwest (SXSW) Music with a standing ovation as the CRS-39 New Faces show closed Conference - Austin, TX - www.sxsw.com Friday night (3/7). Swift was preceded by the Arista’s Jason Michael Carroll, whose powerfully-voiced set included current March 13- Alex LeVasseur Memorial Scholarship single “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead.” Jake Owen introduced Program Presents The Hit Men Of Music Row - Rocketown a stirring new song titled “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” - Nashville, TN - www.etix.com. in addition to selections from his current album, all backed March 14 - Rumble On The Row - The Factory in Franklin, TN by a band that featured a yellow-goggled drummer. Bucky rolled out on a motorbike and admitted, “I’m glad Covington April 1-5 - Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival - Nashville, I didn’t bust my ass” before launching into his well-received TN - www.tinpansouth.com performance, highlighted by “The Bible And The Belt”. Capitol’s likeable Luke Bryan opened the show with “Country April 14 - 2008 CMT Music Awards - Belmont University’s Man” and closed his set with “All My Friends Say.” Curb Event Center - www.cmt.com Intro videos, typically conversation fodder at New Faces, were fairly sedate this year, the General Patton turn from Arista’s Skip Bishop notwithstanding. More than making up for the artist clips were the “Are You Smarter Than A...” vids from CRB No Holds Barred that quizzed programmers, promo reps, consultants and more CRS Friday, like preceding days, was shoehorned full of solid on a variety of subjects. Of course the whole event came close panels and inspiring music. A reprise of last year’s “No Holds to being upstaged by the uncontrolled snorting of Lyric Street’s Barred” session posted radio and label execs on a platform with Stephanie Keshe. artists for a wide-ranging discussion. Discussing the ascendancy of Taylor Swift, Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta said her online successes gave the label “a story to bring to radio.” Sony BMG’s Joe Galante added that efforts to find other media to break acts don’t supplant the need for the “critical mass at radio.” John Rich warned that labels making celebrity signings should be careful because, “A sh**ty record is a sh**ty record no matter how famous you are.” Borchetta noted the irony of that statement in light of Rich’s reality show Gone Country. McVay Media’s Charlie Cook stated his belief that country record sales have suffered from Country radio’s lack of marketing, though CBS Radio’s Jeff Garrison said he didn’t completely agree. Garrison also debunked the notion of widespread 16-song playlists, a notion raised by moderator Brian Mansfield of USA Today. Jewel championed the Face Time: Bucky Covington, Taylor Swift, Jake Owen and importance of radio, calling broadcasters’ interaction with Jason Michael Carroll (Not Pictured: Luke Bryan) labels and artists “the winningest combination.” Both Jewel and ©2008 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] March 10, 2008 Country Aircheck Music Edition Page 3 BIRTH D AYS Tuesday (3/11) – Jimmy Fortune Wednesday (3/12) - Rhonda Christensen (rhonda. [email protected]), Paige Levy, Jim Mickelson ([email protected]) Thursday (3/13) – Liz Anderson, Jan Howard, Billy Yates, Steve Armstrong, Kay Smith ([email protected]) Friday (3/14) – Michael Martin Murphy, Sam Cerami ([email protected]) Saturday (3/15) – the late Carl Smith, Teddi Bonadies (teddi. [email protected]), Mike Dungan (mike.dungan@ emicap.com), Mike Wilson (mwilson@montagemusicgroup. com), Rondal Richardson ([email protected]), Shar’n Clark ([email protected]) Sunday (3/16) – Allison Smith, Jerry Jeff Walker Monday (3/17) – Paul Overstreet Bar Keep: Charlie Cook, John Rich and Scott Borchetta. Rich admitted that the push to get broadcasters to pay labels and artists performance rights fees may not be in artists’ best interests. “You don’t want to trip over a dollar to get to a penny,” Jewel noted. Radio Sales Day Friday’s Sales track was well attended and loaded with value. During the “Selling In The PPM” session, WXTU/Philadelphia GM Natalie Conner said, “PPM is 10 times better than the diary. Cumes are doubling, and we’re seeing new 18-34, 18-49 and night business. And info on 6-11-year-olds, where we’ve been No. 1, is creating family buys.” The “10 Great Sales Ideas Even A PD Would Love” featured money-making and cause-related campaigns. WKIS/Miami GM Carole Bowen said, “Pre-sell clients to be ready when great opportunities come up.” In “Making Your Budget,” delegates learned about newer categories to pitch including home services, blood centers, Botox and competing media websites; creating a “New Music Showcase” online with prizes; preventing client attrition with VIP artist meet-and-greets; and much more. ©2008 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] March 10, 2008 Country Aircheck Music Edition Page 4 Interep’s Sheila Kirby’s masterful “Radio In A Digital Age” presentation covered everything from texting behavior CHE C K OUT IN ST O RES 3/11 among 35-44 women to featuring talent and artist podcasts as brand extensions. Kirby said, “Radio needs to focus on Clint Black Long Cool Woman EP (Equity) ($7-$8) CPM, not cost-per-click – that’s like per-inquiry In addition to his current single “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress),” Black’s advertising.” Pointing to nearly 30 ways radio reaches its digital-only EP includes “The Strong One” audience, she emphasized, “We’re no longer in the listener and “You Still Get To Me,” a duet with wife business, we’re in the consumer business.” Lisa Hartman Black. All will be included on In “Wish I Had Said That,” radio copywriting aces Tim Blacks’ upcoming full studio album, due Miles and Patrick Lindsay emphasized simplicity: one this summer. The iTunes version of the strong idea and sparingly used copy. Said Lindsay, “Write EP includes bonus track “Everybody’s Talkin’.” James Stroud the commercial you’d like to hear.” Added Miles, “Don’t produced. schedule staff meetings during the time of day you’re most creative. And sell the client on the ad before you read them Upcoming Releases: the copy or present the finished spot.” April 1 Josh Gracin We Weren’t Crazy (Lyric Street) George Strait Troubador (MCA) Legend: George Jones Aaron Watson Angels & Outlaws (BIG Label) Norro Wilson and Ronnie Gilley interviewed George Jones in “Life Of A Legend.” Jones talked about his first recordings, April 8 Jeff Bates Jeff Bates (Black River) his previous career as a painter, and admitted that Merle Haggard Jypsi Jypsi (Arista) digital only and Tammy Wynette were his best duet partners.