Programmers’ CRS-39 Highlights Another fantastic CRS is in the books with about 9% fewer folks than last year. Not bad considering we’re on the brink of recession, the Clear Channel spending freeze is still in effect and cut-backs are underway at many other major operators. You can find detailed coverage of CRS-39 in our Country Aircheck Today emails and in the official CRS Daily Buzz found in the archives section at www.countryaircheck.com. Here some recollections from the week: • KSCS/Dallas APD/MD Chris Huff: “I don’t think anyone who witnessed it could say there was anything more special than Garth Brooks’ surprise mini-concert. In typical Garth fashion, he didn’t just talk about the magic -- he delivered it! And, I know attending CRS has been one of the highlights of Les Acree’s year. Even though he wasn’t able to fully participate in last week’s events, just seeing him at the Country Music DJ & Radio Hall of Fame ceremonies made my CRS complete. Thanks to Jay Phillips for making it happen!” • KBXB/Sikeston, MO PD C.J. Cruze attended his very first CRS: “I got a lot from the panel on how to sound like the ‘welcoming station’ for a concert you’re not actually
Chris Huff
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Matt Senne
hosting. Another of my favorite moments was getting to see country legend George Jones up close and personal. Hearing how he got his start and how he feels about country artists today was an amazing conversation. I really enjoyed CRS, but wish I
was cloned so I could have been at some of the sessions I missed. Four words: “I will be back!” • WXFL & WLVS/Florence, AL PD M. Fletcher Brown: “This was my third CRS, and I spent more time trying to meet my peers. There were lots of casual conversations and idea-sharing – including business ideas and philosophies. Seeing the artists mingling with the rest of us is always a good thing. I understand that this is not a ‘fan’ event, but let’s be real. Part of the fun of what we do is letting some small part of us remain a fan. CRS is the most important week of my year, for many reasons. I will be back for CRS-40!” • KZPK/St. Cloud, MN OM Matt Senne: “This was my ninth CRS, but this year took on a new meaning because I was on a panel. I was nervous for Thursday afternoon to come, but that was nothing compared to Tuesday night. I rode to the 22nd floor of the Renaissance and couldn’t wait to get a cold beer, never thinking I’d need one to stop me from sweating.
No Holds Barred CRS Friday, like preceding days, was shoehorned full of solid panels and inspiring music. A reprise of last year’s “No Holds Barred” session posted radio and label execs on a platform with 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 importance of radio, calling broadcasters’ interaction with labels and artists “the winningest combination.” Both Jewel and
New Faces Show Big Machine’s Taylor Swift bounded through a speaker-shaking version of “Picture To Burn” and the crowd responded with a standing ovation as the CRS-39 New Faces show closed Friday night (3/7). Swift was preceded by the Arista’s Jason Michael Carroll, whose powerfully-voiced set included current single “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead.” Jake Owen introduced a stirring new song titled “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” in addition to selections from his current album, all backed by a band that featured a yellow-goggled drummer. Bucky Covington rolled out on a motorbike and admitted, “I’m glad I didn’t bust my ass” before launching into his well-received performance, highlighted by “The Bible And The Belt”. Capitol’s likeable Luke Bryan opened the show with “Country Man” and closed his set with “All My Friends Say.” 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 that quizzed programmers, promo reps, consultants and more on a variety of subjects. Of course the whole event came close to being upstaged by the uncontrolled snorting of Lyric Street’s Stephanie Keshe.
March 12-16 - South By Southwest (SXSW) Music Conference - Austin, TX - www.sxsw.com
March 13- Alex LeVasseur Memorial Scholarship Program Presents The Hit Men Of Music Row - Rocketown - Nashville, TN - www.etix.com.
March 14 - Rumble On The Row - The Factory in Franklin, TN
April 1-5 - Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival - Nashville, TN - www.tinpansouth.com
April 14 - 2008 CMT Music Awards - Belmont University’s Curb Event Center - www.cmt.com
Date CheCk
Face Time: Bucky Covington, Taylor Swift, Jake Owen and Jason Michael Carroll (Not Pictured: Luke Bryan)
March 10, 2008 Country Aircheck Music Edition Page 2
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.
Tuesday (3/11) – Jimmy Fortune
Wednesday (3/12) - Rhonda Christensen ([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])
Interep’s Sheila Kirby’s masterful “Radio In A Digital Age” presentation covered everything from texting behavior among 35-44 women to featuring talent and artist podcasts as brand extensions. Kirby said, “Radio needs to focus on ($7-$8) CPM, not cost-per-click – that’s like per-inquiry advertising.” Pointing to nearly 30 ways radio reaches its audience, she emphasized, “We’re no longer in the listener business, we’re in the consumer business.” In “Wish I Had Said That,” radio copywriting aces Tim Miles and Patrick Lindsay emphasized simplicity: one strong idea and sparingly used copy. Said Lindsay, “Write the commercial you’d like to hear.” Added Miles, “Don’t schedule staff meetings during the time of day you’re most creative. And sell the client on the ad before you read them the copy or present the finished spot.”
Legend: George Jones Norro Wilson and Ronnie Gilley interviewed George Jones in “Life Of A Legend.” Jones talked about his first recordings, his previous career as a painter, and admitted that Merle Haggard and Tammy Wynette were his best duet partners. Jones also discussed newer artists such as Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney and George Strait as those he expects to “fill their shoes.”
Clint Black Long Cool Woman EP (Equity) In addition to his current single “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress),” Black’s digital-only EP includes “The Strong One” and “You Still Get To Me,” a duet with wife Lisa Hartman Black. All will be included on Blacks’ upcoming full studio album, due this summer. The iTunes version of the
EP includes bonus track “Everybody’s Talkin’.” James Stroud produced.
Upcoming Releases:
April 1 Josh Gracin We Weren’t Crazy (Lyric Street) George Strait Troubador (MCA) Aaron Watson Angels & Outlaws (BIG Label)
April 8 Jeff Bates Jeff Bates (Black River) Jypsi Jypsi (Arista) digital only James Otto Sunset Man (Warner Bros./Raybaw)
Radio NewsFormat: WVIM/Memphis has launched as the market’s newest Country station with PD Chip Miller at the helm. Former KZPS/Dallas personality Tony Magoo signs on for mornings while Tripp Hurst handles MD/midday duties. Contact Miller at [email protected] or 662-349-0826.
Production: WSM-AM/Nashville part-time personality Dave Huitt has been upped to Production Manager/Asst. OM after more than a year with the station. Huitt’s previous stops include weekends at WSIX/Nashville, MD/mornings at WKVS/Lenoir, NC. He can be reached at [email protected].
George Jones
March 10, 2008 Country Aircheck Music Edition Page 4
Imaging: KBWF/San Francisco Creative Service Dir. “Phat” Matt Ganssle has opened Full Moon Productions and signed KAGM/Albuquerque as it’s first imaging client. More info at www.fullmoonsound.com or 903-498-8501.
Syndication: Kix Brooks’ American Country Countdown will broadcast two special “Down Under” episodes from Sydney and Melbourne. The shows will also feature Brooks’ interview with Keith Urban regarding top spots to see down under, and will air the weekends of March 15/16 and 22/23.
iPhone Update: XM Satellite Radio has a new address. Be sure to update your records: 501 Broadway, Suite 600, Nashville, TN 37203. Phone remains 615-244-2404.
Kudos: Congrats to WKKW/Morgantown, WV, which was awarded the Legendary Station Of The Year Award from the West Virginia Broadcasters Association in addition to the state’s Best Country Station.
Industry News Lofton Creek will distribute Big 7 Records through their agreement with Koch Distribution. Lofton Creek will also be responsible for record promotion of Eddie Money’s “Gimme Some Water.” The CMA Music Festival is offering a limited amount of Floor and Lower Level seats through VIP Auction at Ticketmaster.com. The Auctions close March 24 at 5pm CT.
Artist News Julio Iglesias, Jr. is the winner of CMT’s Gone Country as chosen by John Rich and his first single “The Way I Want You” has already been serviced to radio. Iglesias beat out Bobby Brown, Dee Snider, Diana DeGarmo, Carnie Wilson, Maureen McCormick and Sisqo.
Tuesday (3/11) - Dierks Bentley, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (CBS).
Wednesday (3/12) - Deana Carter, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (CBS).
Thursday (3/13) - Jeff Foxworthy, The View (ABC).
Friday (3/14) - Taylor Swift, Live with Regis & Kelly (syndicated).
Saturday (3/15) - Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Opry Live (GAC).
Sunday (3/16) - Randy Owens, Master Series (GAC).
Monday (3/17) - Bill Anderson, Master Series (GAC).
tuBe CheCk
March 10, 2008 Country Aircheck Music Edition Page 5
Trace Adkins will be the keynote speaker at a news conference with Civil War Preservation Trust Pres. James Lighthizer for the release of History Under Siege, the organizations annual report on endangered battlefields March 12 in Washington, D.C. Tim McGraw can be heard on Def Leppard’s new single “Nine Lives,” which is airing on all NBA game broadcasts on ABC through the rest of the season and into the playoffs. Willie Nelson’s One Hell Of A Ride 100-song, 4-cd box set that chronicles 50 plus years will be released April 1. Emerson Drive has been named the Best Major Performer for 2008’s Campus Activities Magazine Readers Choice Awards. Lady Antebellum and Steve Cropper & Friends will perform at the 9th Annual Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon post-race concert at Nashville’s Sommet Center April 26 at 7pm. Naomi Judd, Aimee Mayo and voice coach Brett Manning have signed on as the panel of judges for CMT’s Can You Duet which premiers April 14 at 10:30pm ET/PT. The Charlie Daniels Band, .38 Special and Shooter Jennings will fill the bill of this year’s Volunteer Jam concert tour, which kicks off April 11. Complete dates at www.charliedaniels.com. Trisha Yearwood will release Georgia Cooking In An Oklahoma Kitchen, co-written with her mother Gwen Yearwood and her sister Beth Yearwood Bernard, April 7. Richie McDonald will release his Contemporary Christian album I Turn To You June 3. The project is produced by Frank Myers with whom McDonald co-wrote all but two songs. Steve Azar is participating in the Murray Brothers’ 8th Annual Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament April 2-5 with actor Bill Murray and family benefiting St. Vincent’s Mobile Health Outreach. Mark Wills, Buddy Jewel, Ray Scott and Trent Willmon will perform during the Honky Tonk Tailgate Party tour which kicks off in May. Compete dates at www.thehonkytonktailgateparty.com.
CRS-39 Highlights (continued from page 1)Right when I walked into the Sony suite I yelled out ‘that’s Carrie Underwood’ just as things seemed to get really quiet. She
turned around and said ‘yep, that’s me.’ She was so warm and personable, I wish everyone could have the chance to meet her and blurt out her name like a moron.” • WKKW/Morgantown, WV PD “Big” John Bowen: “I got to speak up for the first time at a CRS and help some folks with voice-tracking multi-formats and radio stations. I had some people tell me that what I said helped them out! All the food rocked, the Road Hammers and Eddie Money rocked, and I got to talk one-on-one to some of my radio heroes, including Scott Lindy, Michael O’Malley, Jaye Albright and Mike McVay.” • Consultant Joel Raab: “In hindsight, we need to deal more with on-demand listening. What is the role of radio and the music industry in a world where listeners become the programmers? The paradigm will change dramatically over the next 10 years. My highlight was meeting Omarosa and Marilu Henner! How cool was that?!” • WMIL/Milwaukee PD Kerry Wolfe: “My favorite panel was ‘Raising The Bar.’ Jewel showed me that on top of her talent, she is an intelligent woman and we’re lucky she’s chosen to become a full-time part of our format. I was totally blown away by the Capitol Lunch performance of Emily West. She has ‘it,’ whatever ‘it’ is! I knew Brad Paisley was a great guitarist, but holy crap! And what can I say about Garth? He still has it. I thought it 1989 all over again!” • Regent VP/Programming Bob Moody: “The highlight for me was the induction of an exceptional class of Country Music DJ & Radio Hall of Famers, [where] I was reminded again of what a unique event it is. And, anyone who left [CRS-39] without several good ideas wasn’t paying attention.” Side note: The Renaissance Hotel had a memorable seminar as well, with Bridge Bar revenue hitting a record-setting $26,000 Wednesday night. A reminder that CRS-40 is set for March 4-6, 2009. If recent history holds, that would put the CMDJ & HOF dinner on March 3, 2009. Plan now to be here.
Aircheck Top Point GainersRASCAL FLATTS/Every Day (Lyric Street) 1759 4BRAD PAISLEY/I’m Still A Guy (Arista) 1358 4CHRIS CAGLE/What Kinda Gone (Capitol) 1116 4TRACE ADKINS/You’re Gonna Miss This (Capitol) 1011 4ALAN JACKSON/Small Town Southern Man (Arista) 771 4JAMES OTTO/Just Got Started Lovin’ You (Warner Bros.) 753JEWEL/Stronger Woman (Valory) 743GEORGE STRAIT/I Saw God Today (MCA) 737KENNY CHESNEY/Shiftwork (BNA) 731TOBY KEITH/She’s A Hottie (Show Dog) 677
Aircheck Top Spin GainersRASCAL FLATTS/Every Day (Lyric Street) 612BRAD PAISLEY/I’m Still A Guy (Arista) 476TRACE ADKINS/You’re Gonna Miss This (Capitol) 428CHRIS CAGLE/What Kinda Gone (Capitol) 383GEORGE STRAIT/I Saw God Today (MCA) 337JAMES OTTO/Just Got Started Lovin’ You (Warner Bros.) 260JEWEL/Stronger Woman (Valory) 260ALAN JACKSON/Small Town Southern Man (Arista) 251TOBY KEITH/She’s A Hottie (Show Dog) 222CARRIE UNDERWOOD/All-American Girl (19/Arista) 207
Activator Top Point GainersRASCAL FLATTS/Every Day (Lyric Street) 376 4GEORGE STRAIT/I Saw God Today (MCA) 344 4CHRIS CAGLE/What Kinda Gone (Capitol) 277 4TOBY KEITH/She’s A Hottie (Show Dog) 229 4BRAD PAISLEY/I’m Still A Guy (Arista) 228 4TRACE ADKINS/You’re Gonna Miss This (Capitol) 213TAYLOR SWIFT/Picture To Burn (Big Machine) 205JEWEL/Stronger Woman (Valory) 190JAMES OTTO /Just Got Started Lovin’ You (Warner Bros.) 175MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Back When I... (Columbia) 174
Activator Top Spin GainersRASCAL FLATTS/Every Day (Lyric Street) 624GEORGE STRAIT/I Saw God Today (MCA) 490CHRIS CAGLE/What Kinda Gone (Capitol) 413TOBY KEITH/She’s A Hottie (Show Dog) 382BRAD PAISLEY/I’m Still A Guy (Arista) 343TRACE ADKINS/You’re Gonna Miss This (Capitol) 331TAYLOR SWIFT/Picture To Burn (Big Machine) 299MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Back When I... (Columbia) 269JEWEL/Stronger Woman (Valory) 264DIERKS BENTLEY /Trying To Stop Your Leaving (Capitol) 263
Aircheck Add LeadersRASCAL FLATTS/Every Day (Lyric Street) 43
BRAD PAISLEY/I'm Still A Guy (Arista) 41
MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Back When I Knew It All (Columbia) 17
JO DEE MESSINA/I'm Done (Curb) 14
TOBY KEITH/She's A Hottie (Show Dog) 13
JULIANNE HOUGH/That Song In My Head (Mercury) 12
DIERKS BENTLEY/Trying To Stop Your Leaving (Capitol) 10
JASON MICHAEL CARROLL/I Can Sleep When I'm Dead (Arista) 9
TIM MCGRAW/Kristofferson (Curb) 9
PHIL STACEY/If You Didn't Love Me (Lyric Street) 8
CMTJULIO IGLESIAS, JR./The Way I Want You (EMI Spain)JEWEL/Stronger Woman (Valory)PHIL STACEY/If You Didn’t Love Me (Lyric Street)
CMT PUREJEWEL/Stronger Woman (Valory)
GAC JEWEL/Stronger Woman (Valory)PHIL STACEY/If You Didn’t Love Me (Lyric Street)CARRIE UNDERWOOD/How Great Thou Art (Arista)
ViDeO aDDs
Chart Page 2 March 10, 2008 Country Aircheck Chart Info Chart Page 3
JO DEE MESSINA/I’m Done (Curb) 319 points, 128 spins 6 ADDS: KHKI*, KIZN*, WIVK*, WQHK, WSIX, WXTU
Aircheck Activity includes the top 15 songs that rank 45-50 on this week’s chart or are those that are not charted and have a minimum of 300 airplay points and have shown growth in two of the past three weeks. (* indicates auto adds)
Aircheck Top RecurrentsBRAD PAISLEY/Letter To Me (Arista) 9215GARY ALLAN/Watching Airplanes (MCA) 8543BILLY RAY CYRUS f/M.CYRUS/Ready... (Walt Disney/Lyric Street) 6112KENNY CHESNEY/Don’t Blink (BNA) 5597RASCAL FLATTS/Winner At A Losing Game (Lyric Street) 5570TAYLOR SWIFT/Our Song (Big Machine/Uni Republic) 5011MONTGOMERY GENTRY/What Do Ya... (Columbia) 4263TRACY LAWRENCE/Find Out Who... (Rocky Comfort/CO5) 4035SUGARLAND/Stay (Mercury) 4020
MARCH 17GARY ALLAN/Learning How To Bend (MCA)JENNIFER HANSON/’73 (Universal South)TOBY KEITH/She’s A Hottie (Show Dog/UMe)DOLLY PARTON/Jesus & Gravity (Dolly/CO 5)POINT OF GRACE/How You Live (Turn...) (Word/Curb/Warner) CRYSTAL SHAWANDA/You Can Let Go (RCA)
MARCH 24GARTH BROOKS/Midnight Sun (Pearl/Big Machine)LUKE BRYAN/Country Man (Capitol) MARK McKINNEY/Bonfire (Super Loud Music)
MARCH 31JAMEY JOHNSON/In Color (Mercury)HEIDI NEWFIELD/Johnny & June (Curb/Asylum)JIMMY WAYNE/Do You Believe Me Now (Valory)
aDD Dates
March 10, 2008 Country Aircheck Chart Info Chart Page 4
