the Direct Buzz - July 2010

International Edition

Janiva Magness Blues Queen Rising PGA Star John Daly Swinging For A Hit Record

Behind the Desk Starmaker Jim Halsey

New Feature Sections: Aristo International Report Americana Music Charts European HotDisc Charts Global Radio Charts Featured Artists & Reviews

July 2010

6 Cover Story

Detroit native, Janiva Magness has won numerous top awards and accolades in the world of Blues and R&B in recent years, including the 2009 “Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year” award. Her music and her voice will captivate you - and her story will break your heart and give you hope all at the same time.

18 Exclusive: John Daly Interview

On the eve of his participation at the British Open (which he won in 1995), world-class PGA golfer John Daly has released his second album, I Only Know One Way. Hear why Kid Rock, Darius Rucker and other stars love his music and why Daly is still hungry to win.

14 Behind the Desk

Legendary agent and manager Jim Halsey went from dance promoter to one of the most powerful men in the music business. Learn about his new book, Starmaker, and why at age 79, he is still relevant to the music industry. Also, check out his tips for “Selling by Phone” in The Indie Way.

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NEW FEATURE! Aristo International Report

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NEW FEATURE! Americana Airplay Charts

Find out who and what is happening in Country music around the globe in this new quarterly feature.

See who is hot in the world of Americana music this week.

31

NEW FEATURE! European HotDisc Charts

DJs and music professionals rate the latest independent Country releases in Europe.

41 Christian Music Weekly 42 Global Radio Charts 46 Featured Artists

This month we have a great collection of international artists for you to discover!

---------------------------------------------------------------PUBLISHER & FOUNDER: Robert Weingartz EDITOR: Clif Doyal DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS: Scott Welch CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Clif Doyal, Mike Hagler, Jr, Raleigh Squires, Paul Clifford, Susan Fischer, Jim Halsey, Jeff Walker ART DIRECTION: Aleven Creatives (aleven.com)

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FROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to the July issue of the Direct Buzz; our first International edition. In the beginning, we put forth a mission to enlighten, entertain and inform. Our vision was for the Direct Buzz to become a “Destination” for anyone interested in general entertainment, and the exploration of pop culture, life issues and commonly shared interests.

With this edition, we make great strides to reach that goal.

We proudly present Blues and R&B singer extraordinaire Janiva Magness as our cover story. Not only one of the premier singers in the world today, she is a beacon of hope for humanity. Her personal story of tragedy and loss - and success in the face of great adversity - is an inspiration to us all.

On the International front, we are excited to debut three new features which will greatly expand our reach. The Aristo International Report explores Country music from around the world; The Americana music chart highlights a format that transcends cultural and musical boundaries, and HotDisc showcases the top independent music catching fire in Europe.

We are pleased to have an exclusive interview with PGA golf legend, John Daly. He talks about his new album, how indebted he is to his fans, and life-changing advice that he learned from his mother.

Music business icon, Jim Halsey, a pioneer in International touring and global artist relations is featured in “Behind the Desk.”

We showcase great International artists in our “Featured Artists” and “Killer Tracks” music reviews.

This is just the beginning of our mission to reach across all genres to expose and nurture the best talent that the world has to offer. A lofty goal – but we dream big.

Robert Weingartz Founder & CEO, AirPlay Direct Founder & Publisher, the Direct Buzz

THE WRITERS ROUND

A Songwriter Profile by Mike Hagler, Jr.

Veronica Ballestrini “Don’t Say” AirPlayDirect.com/VeronicaBallestrini

V

eronica Ballestrini: It’s a name I started hearing around Nashville last year and now seems to be everywhere lately. Veronica is an 18 year old singer-songwriter who started causing quite a stir last year on MySpace. You may have even seen her recently on Simon Fuller’s new creation, I Can Dream.

She was the winner of a MySpace contest for the show.

A writer since she was 13 years old, she started recording her songs and putting them out there for everyone to hear online. Her latest song, “Don’t Say,” has everything you want to hear in a radio single.

It’s got catchy lyrics, an identifiable topic and excellent production. This song really shows great attention to subject matter and melody.

WR: What first got you into songwriting?

VB: I always enjoyed music and writing and when I was 13 I picked up a guitar and combined the two.

It was a good way for me to express myself.

WR: Writing as a way to express yourself is always a great way to get started. There are many writers who began writing at a young age for that exact reason.

WR: How do you get the inspiration for your songs? Do they come from real life, or just sparks of creativity from a book or other media?

VB: The majority of my songs come from real life experiences, whether it be my own, or a story I’ve heard or seen from someone else. Love, heartache, fun, pain, all part of life and I know people can relate to that.

WR: I agree! When people can relate to your music is a great way to build a fanbase and make a living on your craft WR: I really enjoy your song, “Don’t Say.” I heard it recently on AirPlay Direct and really feel that it has a great melody. I enjoy that it has an ‘island acoustic’ feel with lyrics about being hurt. Where did the idea for this song come from?

VB: Well, I wrote “Don’t Say” with my producer Cliff Downs, and

this song is basically about finally getting the courage to walk away from that ‘wrong’ person you have been with. You can only take being hurt for so long until it’s time to say goodbye and move on. Breakups don’t always have to be sad or angry, so we thought the ‘beachy’ sound would be cool. It’s letting that person know you can have a good time without them WR: That sound does work very well for the song. It reminds me of the Jack Johnson or Colbie Caillat sound. It is very relaxing, fun and different for the subject matter As with all writers, you get better with experience and collaborating with other songwriters. Even though she is only 18 years old, Veronica already has five years of writing under her belt. And, while very new to the industry, she has been taking it by storm. Veronica has an endorsement by Sennheiser microphones and was one of Marie Claire’s “Six Artist’s to Watch For” last year. Be sure and check out “Don’t Say” at www.airplaydirect. com/veronicaballestrini.

Janiva Magness Blues Queen Rising By: Clif Doyal

I

n the past few years there is a powerful female voice that has taken rise in the world of Blues and R&B music – and it belongs to Janiva Magness. On first listen to Magness, it is crystal clear that the baton has been handed off from the past to the present; at once smooth and sultry, yet raw and earthy, her vocals define her as heirapparent to the throne presided over by the great women soul singers who preceded her.

This is not just music media hype – Magness’ credentials back it up.

She received the coveted “B.B. King Entertainer of the Year” award at the 2009 Blues Music Awards. (She is only the second woman to ever win this accolade, the late Koko Taylor being the first). That same year, Magness also walked away with “Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year,” an honor she had previously received in 2006 and 2007. To date, she has received eleven Blues Music Award nominations, causing USA Today to declare, “Magness is a blues star,” while The Philadelphia Inquirer extolled, “Magness

sings superb, potent soul-blues with a scorching intensity,” and the Chicago Sun-Times raved, “Her songs run the gamut of emotions from sorrow to joy. A master of the lowdown blues who is equally at ease surrounded by funk or soul sounds, Magness invigorates every song with a brutal honesty.”

A charismatic performer known for her electrifying live shows,

fide blues star, her rise to the top was far from easy. Born in Detroit, she was inspired by the blues and country she heard listening to her father’s record collection and by the vibrant music of the city’s classic Motown sound. By her teenage years, though, her life was in chaos. She lost both parents to suicide and ended up living on the streets and bouncing from one foster home to another. At 17,

“I try to respectfully serve the genre but not be bound by it.”

Magness, 53, is a gutsy and dynamic musical powerhouse. She has been performing for almost three decades, logging thousands of miles on the road and appearing 150 nights a year at clubs, theatres and festivals all over the world. In April 2008, she was a co-headliner of “Bluzapalooza,” the first-ever blues concert tour to perform for American troops in Iraq and Kuwait. It was an incredibly profound experience for her.

Although Magness is now a bona

she became a teenage mother who gave up her baby daughter for adoption. Thankfully, she discovered the ticket out of her downward spiral when one night in Minneapolis, an underage Magness sneaked into a club to see blues great Otis Rush, and it was there that she found her salvation and decided that the blues were her calling. She began going to as many blues shows as possible, soaking up the sounds of her favorite artists, including Johnny Copeland

and Albert Collins. She immersed herself in records by James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and all the other R&B greats.

Listening to these blues and soul artists and watching them live, sparked Magness and gave her life direction. By the early 80’s, she made her way to Phoenix where she befriended Bob Tate, the musical director for the great Sam Cooke.

With Tate’s mentoring, she formed her first band and has never looked back. She moved to Los Angeles in 1986 and would eventually record five independent albums before signing with Northern Blues where she released Bury Him At The Crossroads in 2004 and Do I Move You? in 2006. Both CDs were coproduced by Magness along with Canadian roots star, Colin Linden, and both garnered Magness a tremendous amount of critical acclaim and popular attention. Magness and Linden won the prestigious Canadian Maple Blues Award for Producers of the Year for Bury Him At The Crossroads. Do I Move You? debuted at #8 on the Billboard Blues Chart and was the #1 Blues CD of the Year on Living Blues magazine’s radio chart in 2006.

Magness debuted on Alligator Records in 2008 with the extraordinary What Love Will Do, which won her more praise and fans. Her new CD, The Devil Is An Angel Too, co-produced by Magness and Dave Darling (Brian Setzer, Meredith Brooks, Dan Hicks), is a hard-hitting collection of material that explores the depths of good and evil, with Magness’ glorious, soul-baring vocals burning their way through twelve powerful songs. She wraps her huge, soulful voice around original material written especially for her, and songs from Julie Miller, Graham Parker, Nick Lowe, Joe Tex, Gladys Knight, Nina Simone, Ann Peebles and James Carr.

We had the chance to interview Magness recently in her van - between stops at her mechanic’s, the laundry mat, and at home while packing her bags to hit the road for her next gig. There was nothing show business about it; it was real life, just the way Janiva Magness lives it and sings about it. the Direct Buzz (tDB): Tell us about your new Alligator Records album, The Devil Is An Angel Too. Janiva Magness (JM): It’s a collection of 12 tunes. I think it’s a pretty good record and people are digging it - and I love that. Overall it’s about the human condition – the lightness and darkness in all of us.

This is my ninth record. I am happy to have been able to create a body of work so when it’s my time to go, I will have something to leave behind. The recording process on this one was different. Usually after I

finish a record, I can’t stand to listen to it. But oddly, about a week after we finished it, I heard one of the tracks and I really liked it! I usually think ‘Who the hell do you think you are anyway? Better sharpen up your waitress skills.’ tDB: Why would you doubt yourself so much?

JM: I am sure it comes from my early life. My therapist will tell you that I am not going to be someone with a big head. Good news kinda leaks in real slow - like it’s coming thru a cocktail straw. I am not hardwired to think that everything is gonna be ok. Much of the challenge in my world in the last five years is learning to take in the good. I have had to work pretty hard to get out of the way. I freely admit that. tDB: You have songs from a very impressive group of writers on this album. Tell us about the process of

“Society is fed so much garbage and I just want to give them some truth.”

picking the songs and making the record.

JM: I have to have a connection with the song. Songs are like little movies. The story [of the song] has to move me. Otherwise, I don’t see the point. People work real hard for their money. I learned that from my dad. He gave me a strong work ethic. When you pay your money for some goods and services, by God you better get something for it. I feel a huge obligation to people who buy my records and come to my shows. I don’t ever want to get up and bullshit anybody. Society is fed so much garbage and I just want to give them some truth.

I never want to make the same record twice. I try to respectfully serve the genre - but not be bound by it. To that end, I have never been an artist to make records with a goal outside of that. I have two rules: 1.

Don’t make the same record twice.

2. Serve the ‘muse.’ There is some kind of force or entity there. I am not in charge of it. There is human connection and the music is the vehicle for that. I want to serve that idea. Being honest and truthful and bringing myself to that, both live and on record, that is what I want to accomplish. I was real happy to work with Dave Darling again. We have been friends for twenty-plus years. He is wickedly talented and creative and he knows how to serve that process without choking it. He is fearless in the studio and he is like, ‘Well, why NOT do that?’ tDB: Your sound embodies the soul of the past with edgy production that places you firmly in today.

Would you agree?

JM: Yes, I agree. How lucky is that? How cool is that? That said, I am never gonna make a record as good as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. It is never gonna get any better than those old scratchy records from Son House, or Memphis Min-

“R&B and Blues is the music of the people and we use it so we understand that we are not alone. That is my belief.” nie. I am never gonna create THAT. It is pointless to try. tDB: You have been the recipient of several major awards recently.

How has that impacted your career?

JM: It has really helped a lot (laughing loudly). If I keep this up, maybe someday I can buy a piece of property and stand on it where no one can knock me off! It has helped my agent, my show attendance, everything. It has caused more fans to want to throw down their twenty bucks to come to my shows. tDB: How does it make you feel to be placed in the same category as Koko Taylor, one of your idols?

JM: It kinda freaks me out, if you want to know the truth. When I was told about the B.B. King Award, it

really humbled me. It is a bit frightening. It is also very exciting. But it also pushes up against old ideas of mine as to who I am, and what I am.

I am so happy and I think of it as a new problem. Not like, ‘Is this cardboard box that is my house gonna leak when it rains today?’ I have a new set of problems – but it’s a good set of problems.

“B.” and Bonnie Raitt gave me that award. She (Raitt) was so excited and had this look on her face like, ‘Surprise!’ It still makes me tearyeyed. It makes me cry. It’s pretty good for a kid like me. tDB: You have been performing most of your life, and currently do 150-200 dates a year. What drives you to keep such a busy schedule?

JM: It is not always that way, but it has been the last few years. I am happy about that. I need the work, ‘cause I don’t think it’s gonna last.

My value, if I persist, increases with age. It’s in my blood. tDB: Do you carry a band on the road with you?

JM: I carry my own group. If “B.” or Mr. Clapton called me to sit in with their bands – I would certainly do that, but if you are going to see the ‘Janiva Magness Show,’ you are gonna see my band. tDB: You travelled to Iraq and Kuwait to perform for American troops.

Tell us about the experience.

JM: That was incredibly hard. I think it was the most difficult gigs of my lifetime. I am so grateful for that experience. I don’t think that there is a group more in greater need of that human connection. My politics lean hard-left, but I went because that is my job. It is a huge gift to be able to do what I do. When I got the request, I knew immediately that my answer would be yes.

We were in an active war zone not a green zone. The military trains these kids to be war machines. You and I can screw up and we will be ok. If they screw up, they can lose a limb, they can die. And they do it for twelve to eighteen months at a time, and often come home for about two minutes, and then turn around and do it again. My job is a gift. It’s about human connection; to remind people they are not alone. I can’t think of anyone in greater need of a mental break than these soldiers.

Those kids came up to me and said, ‘You made me forget where I was for two hours. Thank you!’ That was beyond priceless. tDB: You have very deep Blues and R&B influences: Etta James, Billie Holiday, Elmore James, Robert Johnson, Aretha Franklin, Jackie Wilson, Memphis Minnie & Koko Taylor. How were you exposed to

these artists?

JM: At 14, Otis Rush took me hostage with his music one night at the Union Bar in Minneapolis. At the time, I didn’t get what happened to me that night, but whatever it was, it was pivotal to me. Otis played as if his life depended on it. There was a completely desperate, absolute intensity. I knew, whatever it was, I needed more of it. His complete commitment to the music, rage, total joy, no posing, everything was real that he sang. I witnessed that, and it swept me away. I needed that thing. It was a huge gift.

R&B and Blues is the music of the people and we use it so we understand that we are not alone. That is my belief. I got taken and thank God I got taken. In my 20’s I got lucky to work with Bob Tate, Sam Cooke’s musical director from the beginning of his career. He taught me a lot about what to do, and what not to do. I got lucky. tDB: You had a very difficult childhood. Do you wish to talk about that?

JC: My parents both committed suicide by the time I was 16. They were not bad people, they were sick people. I never knew that when I was a kid, but I understand that now.

I lived in twelve different foster homes in two years. I was emancipated by the court at age 16 and had a baby girl at 17 and gave her up for adoption. (Editor’s note: Magness later reconnected with her daughter who now lives in the Midwest).

Winston Churchill said, ‘If your going through hell – keep moving.’

I understand that. Don’t set up camp there – move on. If what I have been through helps someone – then I want to share it with them. I have discovered that by sharing some of these pieces of my history that it can help someone else. I do a lot of public speaking and it apparently has made a difference for some folks. Talking

about it has also helped me to heal. I didn’t understand forgiveness when I was younger, but I do now. I am grateful to have discovered that. I am the luckiest girl on the planet.

Why I survived…maybe this is a part of it? tDB: You are A Spokesperson for Casey Family Programs promoting National Foster Care Month. Tell us about that.

JM: It a huge honor and a daunting responsibility all at the same time. I am also the Ambassador of the Foster Care Alumni of America. Steve Jobs (co-founder and CEO of Apple) was a foster kid. There are a lot of us out here – around half a million alumni of the foster system. You never know who that is gonna be that will stand up for someone in rough times.

Our lives are so full, in this world, but this is real important to me. tDB: How has the digital delivery of your music helped to spread your music around the world?

JM: It seems to really be broadening my listenership. Having my music on AirPlay Direct opens me up to radio programmers who are not ‘into’ my genre. I’m very grateful for the support. Digital delivery has to increase my revenue stream because it increases my listenership. tDB: What does the future hold for Janiva Magness?

JM: I would like to continue to work. I just love the guys in my band.

I would like to work with Dave Darling again, and make more records. I would like to write the songs. Writing is coming a little easier now. I would like to work a little less and make a little more money. I would like to have more time to spend with my daughter and grandson. That would make me happy.

To learn more about Janiva Magness and the charitable organizations she supports, visit these websites: JanivaMagness.com, FosterCareMonth.org, FosterCareAlumni.org

Impresario Jim Halsey By: Clif Doyal

Starmaker

J

im Halsey has scaled the heights of the music and entertainment industry.

At one time, his firm, The Jim Halsey Company Inc., was one of the top booking agencies in the world, representing over 40 of the biggest artists in the business. In his over 60 active years as artist manager, agent and impresario, Halsey has discovered and/or guided the careers of such illustrious personalities as Roy Clark, The Oak Ridge Boys, Waylon Jennings, The Judds, Reba McEntire, Minnie Pearl, Clint Black, Tammy Wynette, Mel Tillis, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, Lee Greenwood, Hank Thompson and many others.

Jim Halsey’s eclectic tastes also enabled him to represent such diverse artists as Woody Herman and his Thundering Herd, James Brown, Roy Orbison, Rick Nelson, The Righteous Brothers, Leon Russell, and The Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Halsey has organized and presented music performances all over the world.

His 1976 tour presenting Roy Clark and The Oak Ridge Boys in the Soviet Union, won praise both culturally and

in diplomatic circles. Clark’s successful return tour of the USSR in 1988 was the subject of an award-winning television documentary. Halsey greatly expanded the horizons of country music into Europe and Asia. He also presided over many “firsts” in the industry. Under his watch and guidance, the first live country music albums were made by Hank Thompson, and Halsey was the first to introduce country to the Montreux International Jazz Festival.

Then, at the peak of his company’s influence and power, Halsey sold it to the William Morris Agency in 1990, so he could have time to pursue his next goal: to take his wealth of experiences in the industry and educate young people who were trying to break into the music business. He made that goal a reality by creating the Music and Entertainment Business Program at Oklahoma City University, which became the first college in the world to offer

a bachelor’s degree in the business of entertainment.

At a time when most individuals would be sitting back and resting on their laurels, Halsey continues to create and succeed. At 79, he is still dreaming of his next venture, and the recognition and accolades for his contributions to the music business continue to mount.

He is currently the focus of an expansive multi-media museum exhibition, Starmaker: Jim Halsey and the Legends of Country Music, at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. The grand opening in April 2010 was attended by governors, politicians and music industry luminaries from all around the country.

However, it is important to note that Jim Halsey is not a relic from the past to be relegated to a museum. He is still relevant in today’s music scene - and his schedule would tire a man half his age. He lectures and teaches extensively at colleges and universities around the world; he recently published the book Starmaker: How To Make It In The Music Business (Tate Publishing 2009), an excellent guide for anyone interested in making a mark in the business; he is the co-founder of the annual “Billboard Song Contest,” which offers aspiring songwriters a chance for their songs to be heard by industry professionals; he is preparing to launch the Halsey Learning Center of Music & Entertainment Business, an online internet school. AND, the mighty Oak Ridge Boys, whom he has managed for over 35 years, recently officially kicked off the 2010 CMA Music Festival at LP Field in Nashville by singing the National Anthem, along with their classic “Elvira,” on a bill that included superstars, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, and Lady Antebellum. In typical Halsey exuberance, he recounts the experience: “The Oaks kicked off the festival in a great spirit of patriotism. 50,000 people were screaming before they ever sang a note. It was just awesome!”

When asked where he finds the drive to continue to be so active in the business, Halsey explained: “It all boils down to interest in life. I am happy to have the vitality and creative interest.

I want to be ‘in-service’ - not only the artists, but to the industry at large. I have always had dreams and visions.

I was talking to an old Indian medicine man one time, telling him about the dreams that I have. He said to me, ‘Stop following your dreams - and you will stop having them.’ That is why I am still following my dreams at almost 80!” That statement cuts to the core of who - and what - Jim Halsey is - a child-like dreamer, a creator, an enthusiastic cheerleader, a deal-maker and entrepreneur of the first order, and a visionary who stands out as a shining example of what one person can accomplish if they set their sights on success and are both persistent and fearless in its pursuit.

Jim Halsey was born and raised in Independence, Kansas. His family ran a very successful department store in the town, and the young man grew up in this retail environment. “My Grandfather’s mantra was, ‘A satisfied customer is a happy customer,’” Halsey recalls. “A lot of the conversations around our house revolved around sales and marketing. Service was very important in our family. I learned that lesson young, and never forgot it.”

Halsey became interested in music at an early age and started playing saxophone in the school band while in junior high and in a dance combo on the

weekends. “I loved to take in concerts by some of the musical greats of the time, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and Duke Ellington,” Halsey states. “I saw that these gifted people could take an audience through a range of emotions.

I knew however, that I could never be one of these people. Despite the fact that I loved the music, I became convinced that my talents lay elsewhere on the stage.”

Then, a high school book-report assignment changed the young man’s life forever. The book was a biography called Impresario: A Memoir of Sol Hurock (Random House, 1946).

“Once I began reading it, I couldn’t put it down,” Halsey exclaims! Hurok presented almost every type of stage attraction, specializing in bringing talent from Russia and Eastern Europe to the U.S. “His life was full of glamour, talented artists, and events that required creative sales and marketing.

He booked all of these great venues like Madison Square Garden and the Met. I wanted to be like him. Once I made that decision, I began turning my energies in that direction with a singleminded focus to become the impresario of southeastern Kansas!”

At age 19, when Halsey was in college, he promoted his first show at Memorial Hall in Independence, with the great Western swing artist, Leon McAuliffe. McAuliffe first rose to fame as the steel guitarist in the legendary Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys.

“I knew McAuliffe had a name, and that would help, but if it were to be a

“It all boils down to interest in life.

I am happy to have the vitality and creative interest. I want to be ‘inservice’ - not only the artists, but to the industry at large.”

success, I had to advertise it. Because of the Halsey Bros. store’s relationships with all the local newspapers, I was able to make the best ad buys. I also visited the small towns in the region and put up cardboard posters to promote the show.” That night, when Halsey arrived at the venue, there was already a line. The dance was a sell-out and a huge success. “That was my entry into show business,” Halsey states proudly. “Soon, I started getting calls to promote Bob Wills and other acts.”

The die was cast and the young man was on his way to a lifetime of success in music. Halsey promoted and then managed Hank Thompson & the Brazos Valley Boys; Wanda Jackson and Roy Clark, and promoted Big Band leaders, Ray Anthony and Jimmy Dorsey. These acts formed the foundation of The Jim Halsey Company.

Halsey also branched out into other areas of entertainment by promoting ice shows and Broadway plays. During the remainder of the 50’s and throughout the ensuing decades, Halsey built his entertainment empire, adding success upon success, growing the company with each milestone.

Halsey was always looking for new avenues to expose his ever-growing roster of talent. He developed country music on the famed Las Vegas Strip, and in doing so, his artists dominated the main casino showrooms there. At the time, Joe Delaney, of the Las Vegas Sun, stated, “Halsey’s accomplishments of filling all of the major showrooms with his artists deserve a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records!”

He also pushed his acts onto the television stage of the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and popular programs such as the Hollywood Squares and others. Halsey always had a flair for grand-scale targeted-marketing, and his “Halsey Ranch Party” was one of the best examples of this. He explains, ”I was inspired by the early Oklahoma “Wild West Shows,’ especially those from the famous 101 Ranch and Paw-

nee Bill’s Wild West Show.” Each September, Halsey would host a huge exclusive VIP blow-out at his ranch near Tulsa. The festival featured an all-day barbeque feast, Indian teepees, dancers and a Native American art show, plus appearances by Halsey artists. The world’s top talent buyers, producers, promoters, and media were flown into Tulsa and shuttled by car and helicopter to the event. This provided a very effective method for Halsey to expose his acts to a captive audience, and at the same time, show his gratitude to the entertainment community who supported his company.

Halsey also understood the importance of corporate sponsorships for his artists and was on the cutting edge of that movement, securing sponsorships from some of America’s biggest companies, including, BluBlockers, American Airlines, Falstaff Beer, Kellogg’s, Whataburger, Hunt’s Ketchup and others. On the global stage, Halsey was elected in 1984 as President of FIDOF (International Federation of Festival Organizations). Upon completion of eight years of the presidency, he was elected President of Honour. This UNESCO organization has a membership of 360 major music festivals in 187 countries, where he has brought a vision of global peace and harmony within the scope of the international festival arena.

In 1975, Halsey heard the Oak Ridge Boys sing for the first time. In the introduction of Starmaker, Joe Bonsall of the Oaks picks up the story: “He told us he believed that we were the most entertaining and energetic act that he had ever seen and that we were just ‘Three minutes away from being the biggest act in country music.’ “ (Three minutes refers to the ideal length of a hit radio song). And, true to his vision, under Halsey’s management and guidance, the Oaks went from being a struggling gospel quartet to dominating the country music world, winning every possible award along the

way. Oaks singer William Lee Golden summed it up best a few weeks ago at a star-studded museum exhibition of his own artwork when he told the gathered crowd, “Jim Halsey is a visionary. He had a vision for us and he made it come true. I don’t know where me and the Oak Ridge Boys would be today if it was not for him, but I can tell you that I would not be standing here in front of you tonight.”

On the topic of new media and the impact of the digital medium, Halsey stated, “We have always been on the cutting edge of technology. We were the first company to take country acts to MIDEM, in Cannes, France. When we decided to go, we hauled a huge ¾ UMatic video tape machine with us so we had videos of Hank, Roy, Tammy, the Oaks and other artists that we repped.

We had our own booth with the largest TV screen that we could find. It was very hi-tech and lo-tech all at the same time, but we made the news and had so many people coming to our booth.

This still applies today. You can show someone something on your phone.

Artists can make their music available to radio for download on the Internet, or Twitter their thoughts to the world in an instant. Technology keeps moving forward. I hope that we are always involved in that kind of thing.”

Summing up what he looks for in an artist, Halsey states: “I love the magic that connects them to an audience.

Their smile, the way they phrase, a glitch in the voice, something that sets them apart. I have been blessed to have the ability to spot great talent. It does not have to do with a great voice, or being handsome or beautiful, it has to do with what they project outward. The great artist projects from within. A lot of people don’t understand that. The artists that I look for have a unique and special quality that can’t be duplicated - and that is what makes them stars.

Clif Doyal is a Nashville-based artist manager, publicist, and independent record label manager.

John Daly Swinging for a Hit AirPlayDirect.com/JohnDaly

By: Clif Doyal

J

ohn Daly is more well-known as a world-class golfer - and for his colorful lifestyle - than for his musical talents. That said, he has just released his second album, I Only Know One Way, and to the surprise of many, it is actually quite good.

So good in fact, that if radio programmers will actually give it a shot, they may find a hit or two hiding on it.

Like My Life, his debut album, I Only Know One Way is largely an autobiographical outing. True to his Arkansas roots, Daly’s Southern-fried Country anthem “Hit It Hard” sets the tone for the record and announces that he means business and plans to win, regardless of the game. The ballads expose a reflective side of Daly, and the up tempos rock and swagger with growling guitar and honky tonk piano which fit his vocal style very well. With friends and musical supporters including Kid Rock, Willie Nelson, Darius Rucker and Johnny Lee, maybe Daly will find the same kind of support for his music that he has for his golf game.

Daly was born in Carmichael, California on April 28, 1966. His family moved from California to Dardanelle, Arkansas, where his golf career began.

He started playing golf at the age of four. In high school, he was a letterman in golf and football, and also played baseball. He eventually gave up baseball and football to further his career in

golf. John attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of the golf team. He turned pro in 1987 and won the Ben Hogan Utah Classic on the Nationwide Tour in 1990. He surprised the golf world in 1991 by winning the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick.

He was the ninth and final alternate to get in the tournament. He had driven all night to get there, and won without the benefit of a practice round. He went on to win a second major championship at the 1995 British Open at St. Andrews.

Daly is also involved in many charitable causes, most notably the Make-aWish Foundation, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He continues to be an active supporter of various sports programs at the University of Arkansas.

We interviewed him recently on the eve of his departure for Scotland where he will play in the Scottish Open. Then, he is on to the British Open, where he hopes that history will repeat itself. the Direct Buzz (tDB): Tell us about your new album, I Only Know One Way. John Daly (JD): Herky Williams stayed on me to do another album.

Herky is an old friend and golf buddy and he helps me a lot. Plus, he really knows the music industry having worked with Capitol Records and ASCAP. I am a golfer more than anything but I love the music. He got me with David Malloy (Reba, Eddie Rabbitt),

my producer and it all came together.

We recorded it in several studios and had a lot of fun. The album itself is really my life. All of the songs have a meaning to them. After it was finished, I played “Hit It Hard” for coach Gruden [formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers], and he said ‘That is the best song I have ever heard!’ When I told him it was me - he didn’t believe it! tDB: Tell us about the songs on this record and what it means to you.

I wrote most of the songs. I wrote the title track, “I Only Know One Way,” several years ago with Darius Rucker.

And he loves it because it is so real. That is why people like it, because it is honest and real. I cut Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” because I love it. I do it for my fans; to express my feelings and experiences with them. Most of the

“Champions come from the heart. You are always a winner if you are giving 100%.”

record is happening - or has happened in my life. I hope people can relate to some of the troubles I have had along the way. Everyone around the world has problems and I want to connect with those people. tDB: Do you perform live?

JD: Not really a lot. I don’t have my own my band or anything. Johnny Lee is a good friend and he and I performed a show last week in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and it was a real blast! Johnny was really proud of me – and it was really cool because people actually applauded! (laughing). tDB: Kid Rock is a friend and supporter of yours. How did you meet him?

JD: Me and Kid hooked up quite a few years ago in Memphis. His brother, Billy is a golfer. He was at a tournament and he invited me to Kid’s show at The Pyramid. I stay at Kid’s house when I am in his area. We have become really good friends. Talk about a talent - my God, he is one! We were at his house one night and he sat in his studio and played me song after song that no one, besides me, has likely ever heard.

It was just awesome! You cherish those moments.

When he did the Rock ‘n’ Roll Jesus album, he invited me to come by to hear some tracks. While we were listening, he mentioned that he was having a problem coming up with an album title, and I said, ‘That first track is your title’ and that is what he named it! Too cool! tDB: Why do you like to work with other artists on your records?

JD: A lot of the artists that I hang out with play golf, and they want to learn more about golf. And I love to do what they do as well. I learn about music from them, and they learn about golf from me. Believe me, I can help them more than they help me! I am just learning music and a little about guitar.

But like Eddie Van Halen once told me, ‘I don’t know how to read music. I just know the notes.’ tDB: Where does your internal drive

“Music is a passion. There is nothing greater than writing songs, but golf is still my focus.” to win come from?

JD: It comes from my Mom. She always believed in me. I lost her several years ago. She always had the right answers. She had a saying, ‘Champions come from the heart. You are always a winner if you are giving 100%. Just because you didn’t win, doesn’t mean that you lost.’ She kept me going when I wanted to give up – even before I turned pro. There were a lot of times that I didn’t win and I wanted to give up. It took me a long time to accept that - and grow up and mature. She always reminded me, ‘The fans are always pulling for you. You win in people’s heart if they know you gave 100%. I wish I would have listened to her more then. I have finally overcome that now.

It also comes from my fans and friends.

I don’t want to let them down. When I am on the 18th and I am winning I think the fans get more satisfaction out that than I do. That is what keeps me going. tDB: Do you have any performances scheduled to promote this album?

JD: I would love to do some more shows. If they are right around a golf tournament it would be great. Music is a passion. There is nothing greater than writing songs, but golf is still my focus. tDB: Do you have plans to make an-

other album?

JD: I would love to! It’s cool and my fans love it. It would be great to sell a ton of albums, but it really doesn’t matter. I love to do it. That is the advantage to not being with a label. I pre-sold enough through my website that helped me pay for it. And it gave me a lot of gratification to hear from so many of my fans that they liked it - and some also gave me criticism, and I appreciated that as well. My fans tell me they feel like they know me better because of the album. tDB: Do you think radio will embrace your music?

When you hear your songs on the radio it is really cool. That has happened to me in interviews.

I am happy to have my music available to radio on AirPlay Direct. It would be really cool to hear one of my songs on XM or Sirius. I feel like “Hit It Hard” would have a shot at radio if they would give it a chance. tDB: Are there things in your golf career that you would still like to accomplish?

JD: I would love to win the U.S. Open and the Masters. But right now, I want to win anything that I can. It would be nice to win again.

(Editor’s note): Good luck, John. We will be rooting for you!

Vol. 3, Issue No. 2 June 2010

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Promoting the World of Country Music Around the Globe

2010 Global Events Showcase Big Talent, Big Crowds Seventeen International Acts Entertain at Global Artist Showcases The Country Music Association reported overall attendance at the 2010 CMA Music Festival surged an impressive 16 percent this year, and with that jump came some of the biggest crowds yet to attend Nashville’s annual international artist showcases, known as the Global Events.

A total of 17 acts from around the world performed at this year’s showcases, held once again at iconic downtown venues The Stage on Broadway and The Second Fiddle. Now in its fifth year, the Global Events have served as a sort of unofficial kick off for the festival each year, as fans and industry get to survey some of the best Country music talent from all corners of the globe. This year’s events (June 7-8) spotlighted artists from five different countries or territories - Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and the UK. Monday’s CMA Global Artist Party included sets from Luke Austen (Australia’s 2010 Toyota Star Maker winner), Jaydee Bixby (Canada), David Bradley (UK), Sinead Burgess (Australia’s CRA Breakthrough Country Artist recipient), Cameron Clayton (New Zealand’s Horizon Award winner), Tim McKay (UK), One More Girl (Canada) and Alex J. Robinson (Canada). Canadian singer Adam Gregory hosted the show, performing a mix of hits from his career throughout the evening.

Considering much of downtown Nashville was underwater only a month earlier due to the catastrophic floods that caused millions of dollars of damage in Middle Tennessee, it was quite an accomplishment that the Global Events showcases were held at all this year.

“More than ever, Nashville needed the support of Country music fans from around the world, and that's exactly what Music City got this year,” noted UK’s David Bradley, who closed out Monday night’s CMA Global Artist Party. “I was thrilled to hear that this was one of the most highly attended CMA Music Fests ever, and both of the Global Events

showcases were packed, too.

Thanks to everyone who showed their support for this wonderful city and for Country music from around the globe. Nashville is alive and well and open for business!”

Tuesday afternoon’s AristoMedia Global Showcase at The Second Fiddle continued the global goodwill with energetic sets from artists Travis Collins (Australia), Emma King & The Heartsets (UK), Jessie Farrell (Canada’s CCMA Best New Artist winner), Jo Hikk (Canada) Steven Lee Olsen (Canada), Ronnie Rae Rivers (Australia), Joe Robinson (Australia’s Got Talent winner) and Norwegian trio, The European Highwaymen. Australian duo O’Shea handled hosting duties.

According to AristoMedia President and Global Events executive director, Jeff Walker, more than 1,200 people attended Monday and Tuesday’s showcases.

“I think that this year’s lineup continued the high standard of excellence at our Global Events,” said Walker. “The crowds were enthusiastic, and they were very receptive to these international artists. We’ve known for some time now that Canada and Australia have a history of producing successful Country acts, so it’s encouraging to see places like Norway and the UK producing quality Country music, too.”

Previous Global Events performers have included Australian superstar Troy Cassar-Daley, The Road Hammers, Doc Walker, Johnny Reid, George Canyon, Shea Fisher, Jasmine Rae and The McClymonts, among others.

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Promoting the World of Country Music Around the Globe

Country Superstar Tim McGraw to Tour Australia for First Time

Toby Keith’s Eighth USO Tour

Country music superstar Tim McGraw will tour Australia for the first time in his career when he arrives Down Under later this year in September. McGraw, along with his band, the Dancehall Doctors, will bring his Southern Voice Tour to Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Townseville for four highly anticipated shows.

“My career’s been going for a while and I’ve been looking for opportunities to come down (to Australia), but this is the first time the timing's worked out. ! I'm very excited,” said McGraw when asked about Australia and touring there for the first time.

McGraw plays the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on September 16 and 17, Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on the 19th, Sydney's Acer Arena on the 21st and CMC Rocks North Queensland at Reid Park in Townseville on the 25th. Aussie acts Steve Forde and Jonah’s Road will open the shows.

American acts Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Brooks & Dunn and Dierks Bentley have also toured Australia in recent years.

CCMA Sets September 8-12 as Canada’s Country Music Week in Edmonton

International Country star and long-time supporter of U.S. troops, Toby Keith, recently completed his eighth USO tour in May 2010. Keith visited with and entertained thousands of troops in Korea, Germany and the Persian Gulf during his two-week tour. The award-winning singer-songwriter signed autographs, posed for photos and performed for the troops and their families. Since his first USO tour in 2002, Keith has traveled to more than 10 countries, visiting and performing for more than 140,000 service men and women. Photo: Dave Gatley.

Michael Chugg Receives CMA Jo Walker-Meador Award

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has announced September 8-12 as Country Music Week in this year’s host city of Edmonton, Alberta. The five-day celebration of all things Country culminates at Rexall Place on Sunday, September 12, with the 2010 CCMA Awards.

Performers at this year’s awards include Paul Brandt, Gord Bamford and Corb Lund, all three of which are Alberta natives. Additionally, the show will also feature Country music all-stars George Canyon, Terri Clark, Doc Walker and Johnny Reid, who have combined to take home more than 50 CCMA awards in their career. Visit CCMA.org or CountryMusicEdmonton.com for more information.

Australian concert promoter Michael Chugg of Chugg Entertainment received the Jo WalkerMeador International Award at this year’s CMA Music Festival. The award was presented by CMA Board Chairman Steve Moore. Pictured l to r: CMA board member Jeff Walker, Moore, Chugg and CMA board member and CEO of Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Rob Potts. Photo: Bev Moser.!

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International Festivals (July - August)

July 1-4 - Dauphin Country Fest - Manitoba, Canada July 2-4 - Maverick Festival - Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK July 2-4 - America-France Fest - Vaugneray, France July 8-11 - Americana International Show Nottinghamshire, UK July 8-11 - Cavendish Beach Fest - Cavendish, Canada July 8-11 - Country Festivalen - Vinstra, Norway July 9-18 - Calgary Stampede - Alberta, Canada July 10 - Greece Country Festival - Athens, Greece July 10-11 - Silesia Folk & Country Fest - Ustron, Poland July 15-18 - Norsk Country Treff - Breim, Norway July 15-18 - Craven Country Jamboree Saskatchewan, Canada July 16-17 - Bayfest - Sarnia, Ontario, Canada July 22-25 - Fergus Truck Show - Fergus, Ontario, Canada July 23-25 - Country Rendez-Vous Festival Craponne, France July 28-Aug 1 - Country Festivalen - Seljord, Norway July 29-Aug 1 - Big Valley Jamboree - Camrose, Alberta, Canada July 29-Aug 1 - Cambridge Folk Festival Cambridge, UK July 29-Aug 2 - Boothill Country Jamboree - Bothwell, Ontario, Canada July 31-Aug 1 - CountryFest - Letterkenny, Ireland (con’t next page)

The AristoMedia Group and Travis Television are proud to have been a part of Nashville Rising, the benefit concert staged June 22 to raise money for those affected by the historic flooding that devastated Music City on May 1-2, 2010. Through AristoMedia’s DownCast service, media outlets around the world were able to access exclusive footage for free use in their news programs or websites.

Access content at www.downcastserver.com/rising.php ๏ The inaugural Queensland Country Music Awards were held April 30 in Queensland, Australia. Big winners included Troy Cassar-Daley (Male Vocalist), Harmony James (Female Vocalist) Shea Fisher (New Talent) and Troy Cassar-Daley/The McClymonts (Vocal Collaboration). ๏ British radio personality Brian Clough (l) received the CMA International Broadcaster Award last month in Durham, England. CMA International Consultant Bobbi Boyce (r) made the presentation. ๏ Nominees for this year’s British Country Music Awards (held October 10) will be announced on July 11. ๏ The French Association of Country Music (FACM) will stage its 8th annual French Country Music Awards in November. Date TBA. ๏ The Americana Music Association holds its annual Americana Conference on Sept. 8-11 in Nashville, Tenn.

The 9th annual Americana Awards will be held Thursday, Sept. 9th at the historic Ryman Auditorium. ๏ UKCountryRadio.com is celebrating its three-year anniversary on September 18, when it will also announce the winner of the Listeners’ Club Award. ๏ Europe’s Hot Country television program is back on the air on Sky 201, Showcase TV and all free to air systems. Check listings for local air times.

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Q&A with: Tim Daley Since 2002, Tim Daley has been programming Australia’s 24-hour Country music video network, Country Music Channel. We spoke with Tim about international Country music videos and the state of the global Country music market overall.

How much of CMC’s video content comes from Australian artists versus the rest of the world?

TD: It varies, but I’d say anywhere from 35 to 45 percent of our programming comes from local artists. The bulk of the rest of it comes from American and Canadian acts, mostly.

Is that because there’s a greater interest in the American acts, or is it because there’s just so much more content to choose from?

TD: Part of it is that the production quality in American or Canadian Country music videos is better because the budgets are bigger. We play the local stuff because they are the artists that are generally touring in the Australian markets, and there are definitely good quality acts here to choose from. At the same time, you want to put on the best overall quality acts that are current, so of course by sheer numbers there are a lot to choose from outside Australia.

Have you noticed a trend of CMC’s viewership numbers continuing to climb, or have they plateaued at a certain point?

TD: There’s actually two parts to that answer. One is that we’re seeing sort of an organic growth, where more people are watching the channel as cable television continues to spread our cable penetration is only about 36 or 37 percent here. The other thing is changing people’s perception of Country music.

So our challenge is to present Country music as mainstream entertainment, and part of the way we do that is having acts like Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Sugarland tour Australia and having festivals like CMC Rocks the Snowys that show how good of quality this music is.

What do you think the biggest obstacle the Country music industry faces in terms of successfully globalizing this genre?

TD: I think more artists need to tour internationally. Especially developing artists. When they’re on their first or second video, they need to get overseas - do a promo tour, do a couple of showcases. In most cases, something can be put together

where they aren’t going to lose much money, if at all. In global markets, fans are honored if an artist will travel that far to perform for them. It takes a bit of vision. The artist has to say, ‘Do I want to be a global artist?’ or are they just happy to work the U.S. market? When you get down to it, it’s only a week every two years to tour Australia, for example.

Does CMC play some of the up-and-coming indie artists to help lay that foundation for them?

TD: Oh, yeah. We’re open to playing new music. We love breaking artists. Lady Antebellum is a good example. When “Need You Now” started to cross over a little bit into pop radio, it was already our fourth or fifth single at CMC. We’re flexible in the way we program our channel. For instance, Tim McGraw is coming to town in a few months and we’re playing ten or twelve of his early clips, just to show viewers the backstory, what he used to look like, what he sounded like.

We’re not ratings driven, we’re brand driven. It’s about being relevant for our audience and educating our audience and reflecting what they want.

Visit CMC on the web at www.countrymusicchannel.com.au/

International Festivals (August - con’t.)

Aug 5-7 - Halogaland International Country Music Fest - Harstad, Norway Aug 5-8 - SCC Country Music Festival - Silkeborg, Denmark Aug 5-8 - Manitoulin Country Fest - Little Current, Ontario, Canada Aug 12-14 - Scandinavian Country Music Fest Furuvik, Scandinavia Aug 14-15 - Floralia Country Fest - Oosterhout, Netherlands Aug 19-22 - Havelock Country Jamboree Havelock, Ontario, Canada Aug 20-22 - Summerfolk Festival - Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada Aug 24-29 - Gympie National Music Muster Gympie, Queensland, Australia

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July 2010

CMW CHRIS TOMLIN Our God [Sixsteps/EMI] NEWSBOYS Born Again [Inpop] THE CLASSIC CRIME Four Chords [Tooth & Nail] CASTING CROWNS If We’ve Ever Needed You [Beach Street/PLG]

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Edison Study Shows Social Networkers Love Music, Radio A brand new national study

by Edison Research and Arbitron shows that radio listening among those who frequent social networks is much higher than those who do not use websites like Facebook and MySpace. The study entitled “The Social Habit” also showed that social networkers buy more digital music than the typical American presently does.

The report has also crowned Pandora as “the dominant online audio brand” with frequent social networkers. Pandora's recent move to integrate with Facebook is cause to label the music outlet as the brand with the most discovery potential in the short term. Other radio outlets shown to receive high marks from the respondents include: AOL Radio, Last.FM, Yahoo, and Slacker.

People who were involved in the study also showed a much higher likelihood of listening to online radio [76%] versus the rest of the population [52%]. Those who are considered frequent social networkers overall rose sharply between 2009-2010, rising 14% to 48% overall. That group also has embraced digital music purchasing, being twice as likely to download music than most Americans. But they are also twice as likely not to purchase a physical copy of a CD.

EMI Repositions Itself With New CEO EMI has made the move to reposition itself as a comprehensive rights management company after a strategic review into how their recorded

music division and their publishing arm could work together under one global umbrella operation. The results will include a restructuring of management, including Roger Faxon taking on the position of EMI Group Chief Executive.

Faxon has served as EMI Music Publishing Chairman/CEO since 2007. He will continue to oversee operations with the publishing division while leading EMI Recorded Music. Former non-Executive Chairman of EMI Recorded Music will step aside and be an advisor to EMI and Terra Firma, its primary shareholder.

New PPM Meter Unveiled Arbitron unveiled the new and improved Personal People Meter (aka PPM 360) this week, featuring a new smaller design that will allow the end user a full wireless experience. The new design and technology make it act and work more like a cell phone, meaning retrieval information will be sent to Arbitron throughout the day rather than at the end of each day. The company has also purchased Integrated Media Measurement, allowing the information to flow freely from carrier to Arbitron without the device needing to be programmed or docked. The organization is hoping these changes will interest younger demo carriers getting involved in the program, helping to raise the number of teenage and twenty-something involvement.

SOON TO BE THE INDUSTRY LEADER IN THE NUMBER OF RADIO STATIONS REPORTING TO OUR CHRISTIAN INDUSTRY CHARTS & THE NUMBER OF CHRISTIAN CHARTS BEING OFFERED TO THE INDUSTRY

THAT’S ...

CMW

Tooth & Nail Go Swimming For Dolphins

Inside CMW CMW Adds This Week > page 2 Artist Shorts > Page 2 Radio Charts > Page 3 & 4

Tooth & Nail has inked a recording contract with pop/electronica band Swimming With Dolphins that features frontman Austin Tofte. The group will be in the studio over the summer recording their official national debut. Tofte was with the band Owl City, which Swimming With Dolphins has toured with of late. The group hails from Minneapolis. Austin shares, “I grew up inspired by so many Tooth & Nail artists. It's a great honor now to be a part of this family.”

Satellites & Sirens Featured On MTVmusic.com The band Satellites & Sirens is being featured this week on MTVmusic.com as their “Needle In A Haystack” spotlight artist. OurStage.com is also offering a free download of the group's current single “Anchor” in conjunction of the band's appearance on the MTV website.

News & Tunes Matt Fuqua, lead guitarist and vocalist for band The Afters, welcomes his third child into the family as of June 12. The band will release Light Up the Sky, their third album on INO on Sept. 14. The newest single from the band was featured on MTV's The Hills on June 22 ... Tickets are now available for the “Make a Difference Tour 2010,” with a line-up of Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, and Third Day. The tour will also feature bestselling author Max Lucado. For more info check out MakeADifferenceTour.com ... Offering up their first album in five years, Grammy nominated band The Choir announces the release of their 12th project Burning Like the Midnight Sun, which is due out June 29 ... MyChildren MyBride see impressive chart standings with the newly released Lost Boy, hitting No. 156 on the Soundscan Top 200 Chart and No. 1 on CMJ’s Most Added Chart in the Loud Rock Category ... Anberlin officially announces the release of new album, titled Dark is The Way, Light is a Place, set for Sept. 21 ... Manafest posts yet another video from his last project The Chase here for the Top 15 CMW CHR hit song “Avalanche” ... A positive update has finally been made known regarding Randy Miller of The Myriad and his continuing battle with cancer. The drummer tells his fans on the band's MySpace page that he is doing better and is helping keep the band's social network pages updated. The band is actually beginning to discuss a new project as well, but nothing was stated about Randy's involvement in recording or touring in the immediate future ...

The band Mae is now back together with all of their original members and hailing a new band page on Facebook ... The Washington Projects newest project is live and available on iTunes before their physical street date under their new distribution deal with Universal which will be in Sept. Anyone that buys the full project online will also receive a free unreleased tune to boot ... Norma Jean has a new album available for pre-order entitled Meridional, and is available here.

CMW Page 2

INDUSTRY NEWS [from page 1] Kates Joins EMI Promotions Team Former morning co-host and MD at KDUV/Visalia, CA Cari Kates joins the staff at EMI CMG as Manager of National Promotion. She will oversee the West Coast Region for the artist roster at EMI. Kates new contact email is ckates@emicmg.com or by phone at 615-371-6586.

CMW Adds This Week See The Glory [LifeStage] Jesus Saves [BEC/Tooth & Nail] Carolina Tide [Integrity]

Industry Shorts

Beautiful Mercy [Forerunner]

Thoughts and prayers go out to GM Emeritus 's family as he passed away on June 18 after a battle with a heart condition. Adcock helped start up the station and served as its first GM back in 1968. A memorial service was held in Birmingham on June 21 … teams up with and networks to raise more than $860,000 in a one day fundraiser that will help the band's build 95 new water wells in Africa …

PD is upped to Station Manager as of June 28. He's been with the station since 2007 after his time with . KTIS is now searching for his replacement as their new PD … hires as their new morning show co-host. She comes over from WGRR/Cincinnati … moves over from to take on morning co-host duties at … is brought on board as the new OM at . He was the mid-day jock at sister station … handed out it's ninth annual Sandy Awards, chosen by the listeners in online voting. Artists that took home awards were Artist of the Year , along with , , , and … has hired 39-year industry vet as Dir./Sales. He will oversee both physical and digital sales for the company and can be contacted at marty@gofishguys.com.

Keep Changing The World [Curb] The Saving One [Sparrow/EMI]

Dear X (You Don’t Own Me) [INO] Natural Compulsion [Independent] Jesus Saves [BEC/Tooth & Nail] Save Me From Myself [Reunion/PLG] Keep Changing The World [Curb] The Saving One [Sparrow/EMI]

Dear X (You Don’t Own Me) [INO] Natural Compulsion [Independent] E For Extinction [Tooth & Nail]

Without You [Forerunner] See The Glory [LifeStage] Carolina Tide [Integrity] Beautiful Mercy [Forerunner]

CMW RIGHT HERE

White Noise [Goodtree]

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GLOBAL RADIO CHARTS FOR JUNE 2010

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VIEW MORE CHARTS AT: www.AirPlayDirect.com/charts The AirPlay Direct Global Radio Charts display the top tracks downloaded for airplay by radio programmers internationally. The charts are accurate as of the date published. You can view “real-time” charts at AirPlayDirect.com/charts. We take pride in having built a transparent charting system that accurately reports the hot artists and tracks available within the AirPlay Direct community.

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GLOBAL RADIO CHARTS FOR JUNE 2010

TOP 20 SINGLES

TOP 20 SINGLES FOR JUNE 2010

VIEW MORE CHARTS AT: www.AirPlayDirect.com/charts The AirPlay Direct Global Radio Charts display the top tracks downloaded for airplay by radio programmers internationally. The charts are accurate as of the date published. You can view “real-time” charts at AirPlayDirect.com/charts. We take pride in having built a transparent charting system that accurately reports the hot artists and tracks available within the AirPlay Direct community.

FEATURED ARTISTS ARE PAID ADVERTISERS FROM THE AIRPLAY DIRECT COMMUNITY

Stevie Paige Winner of the AirPlay Direct/Michael McClune M6 Promotions Blues Radio Promotion Contest Before even becoming aware of the style, Stevie Paige was writing Soul/Blues tunes soon after her move from the classical guitar. Since then Stevie has made a distinct impact on the Australian blues touring circuit, with a voice that slips from velvety smooth to classic blues rasp. Her new album, Welcome To The Big Time, couples Stevie’s voice and guitar with a three piece rhythm section, punchy horns and lush strings producing a vibrancy and tone reminiscent of the “Memphis Sound” from Stax and Hi Records of the late 60’s.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/SteviePaige -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boo Ray

Eduard Glumov

Al Hendrix

California-by-wayof-the-Gulf Coast singer/songwriter Boo Ray takes his handle from a slick old Cajun card game and explores the grittier corners of life after midnight on his new record, Bad News Travels Fast. The release finds Ray recording with two groups of musicians on opposite coasts of the country and great producers and players. The songs, laden with fierce guitar & mandolin picking and authentic hillbilly harmonies, express Boo Ray’s love for his southern homeland, his fellow musicians and his uncompromising demand for great songwriting.

-------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/BooRay --------------------------------------------

Eduard Glumov, born in a small province town in the Soviet Union, started writing songs very early but became serious about songwriting at the age of 13 when his father was arrested and imprisoned for anti-Soviet activity.

Later in the 80’s-era of political turmoil and unrest gave way to Perestroika, enabling Eduard to tour with his rock band.

Al Hendrix was born with one of the most intriguing voices of his time. As a youth, he was greatly inspired by the music of Hank Williams, Sr., and began performing and playing rhythm guitar in his teens.

He has been wowing crowds with his awesome talent ever since! Al’s first big break came in 1956 when he moved to Bakersfield, CA and met Buck Owens, along with Bill Woods and the Orange Blossom Playboys, where they played together at the famous Black Board Café. Rare & Rockin’ is a testament to his talent.

-------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/AlHendrix --------------------------------------------

Later, he began a studio career, writing, recording and producing songs and instrumental music for different artists, for theaters, and TV. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/EduardGlumov --------------------------------------------

JULY 2010 FEATURED ARTISTS

Homeless Balloon

Laura McGhee

D Drive

Homeless Balloon is the music project of Norwegian composer, musician and multimedia artist Helge Krabye. His background is in sound design, and he has composed original music for more than seventy television documentaries, radio plays, fantasy stories and art projects. He is known for combining acoustic instruments with experimental, electronic sounds. He has released six audio CDs. He is also a well known user of the innovative soft instrument, MetaSynth.

-------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/HomelessBalloon --------------------------------------------

This Scottish singer/ songwriter and fiddler comes from a strong background of roots, traditional Celtic, Classical and Americana music. Since graduating in classical violin from the U.K. Royal Academy, Laura has worked with respected roots artists including Pete Seeger, Odetta, and Shane MacGowan.

Laura recently toured the U.S., appearing at the Country Music Hall Of Fame with the Cash Family, Jim Lauderdale, Jack Clement, and Buddy Spicher. Her new album, Celticana, recently broke into the Americana music chart.

-------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/LauraMcGhee-uk --------------------------------------------

D Drive began rocking the Northeast in 2004 when guitarist Don Mancuso (The Lou Gramm Band, Black Sheep, Cheater, Celtic Fire) put together his second solo recording effort after finishing tracks for singer Phil Naro’s (Talas, Peter Criss & 24K) “Glass Mountain” project. 3D is the long-awaited follow up to Straight Up The Middle (2007). 3D has great significance as well, not only as our 3rd release, but the CD is housed in a special edition 3D cover with 3D Glasses and 11 new rocking tracks.

-------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/DDrive --------------------------------------------

Chely Wright

Rich Harper

The Memphis Boys

Lifted Off The Ground may be Chely Wright’s seventh album, but on a number of levels it feels and sounds like her first, revealing an artist who has undergone a dramatic artistic transformation, emerging as a singer/ songwriter of the first order. But the new album would never have come to be were it not for an equally dramatic personal transformation, which she has candidly and painstakingly documented. Lifted Off the Ground was released on Vanguard Records May 4, the same day Random House published Wright’s autobiography, Like Me. -------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/ChelyWright...

--------------------------------------------

#1 on Amazon Traditional Blues Charts (6/4/10)!

Rich Harper learned to play blues guitar the traditional way by primarily being self-taught listening to and learning from the recordings of artists like Eric Clapton, B. B. King, Rory Gallagher, Freddy King, Duane Allman, and so on. Rich developed his own slide style using the same Coricidin medicine bottle as Duane Allman.

After paying his “blues dues” in small blue collar towns throughout Pennsylvania, Rich moved to Los Angeles to gather like minded musicians and formed the Rich Harper Blues Band.

-------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/RichHarperBand --------------------------------------------

Inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2007, this group of studio players played on major records by Elvis (“In The Ghetto”, “Suspicious Minds”), Neil Diamond (“Sweet Caroline”), and Willie Nelson (“Always On My Mind”) and were one of the top two or three studio teams in Memphis and Nashville during the 70’s and 80’s. This album is a digital reissue of an original project produced in 1990 by legendary producer Allen Reynolds and engineer Mark Miller. One of the best instrumental albums to ever come out of Nashville. It stands the test of time.

-------------------------------------------Listen here: AirPlayDirect.com/theMemphisBoys --------------------------------------------

Quick Tips

By: Jim Halsey

Selling By Phone No matter whether you use time-tested tools like direct mail and trade journal ads or high-tech, up-to-the-minute approaches like spectacular websites and sophisticated email, it all boils down to the same two things when it comes to selling your act – getting the deal, and closing the deal. Both of these are often best accomplished when you’re face to face, one on one, where you can give a sales presentation with visual aids and answer any questions immediately and directly. If you can’t have a personal meeting, some presentations can be successfully adapted to the Internet.

However, one of the most effective selling tools remains the telephone.

These days, most of us are on the phone more than ever, and the always-expanding cell phone technology allows us not only mobility in our communication, but the ability to transmit photos and other data as well as our voices across the country and the world.

Here are a few tips on how to be more effective, manage your time better, and get and close more deals on the telephone.

First of all, remember that everybody’s time is important. Begin your call by (1) identifying yourself, (2) ask-

ing for the person you want to talk with, and (3) stating briefly the nature of your call. Once you’re in touch with the party you’re seeking, remember these 12 tips.

1. Keep your solicitation brief and to the point.

2. Present your facts and sales points concisely. If you get interest from the other end, you can go into more detail.

3. Be polite.

4. Smile as you talk. Believe it or not, this comes through even though the other party can’t see your face.

5. Have notes in front of you with important facts about the person you’re talking to and other things relevant to the conversation.

6. IMPORTANT! If you are not comfortable talking on the phone, you may tense up, forget important points, and lose your focus – and probably your sale. It happens to a lot of people. If you think you could be one of them, let me suggest that you write a script outlining what you want to say. Have it

in front of you for easy reference, in case you tense up. At the least, you’ll get your message across.

After you’ve made a number of calls, you’ll become more relaxed and eventually eliminate your need for a script.

7. Keep the information on your artists updated. Know when they’re in the recording studio, where they are in their tour, where their records are on the charts, etc.

8. Use a call sheet. Before starting your calls, make a list of everyone you’d like to contact during your calling time. Have each phone number in front of you, along with some refresher notes on what you’re calling about. If you’re contacting people regarding a specific act, make sure to have the relevant information handy. You don’t want to forget an important point or fact.

9. Listening is important, too.

You’re not the only one on the line with information to share.

10. Sometimes, it’s worthwhile to record your conversation, just to monitor the effectiveness of your

presentation. Listening to yourself will give you good ideas about how to improve your telephone skills.

11. A good way to begin every phone call is to take a deep breath and fully exhale, as you clear your mind of any thoughts other than the purpose of the call.

12. Think positive!

And finally, five things to avoid when making a sales call: 1. Don’t talk politics or religion. At worst, these two topics can be horribly divisive and anger-inducing.

At best – when the person on the other end thinks like you do – they can take you off track and make you lose sight of the sale, which was the reason for the call in the first place.

2. Don’t talk sports. If you don’t know what you’re talking about, you’ll sound like an idiot.

3. Don’t talk fishing. It wastes too much time.

4. Don’t rely on your memory.

Keep notes of the conversations, and make sure to have your own facts and figures on hand for the call.

5. Don’t lose focus. Always keep the purpose of the call uppermost in your mind and your words. *Excerpted from the book Starmaker: How To Make It In The Music Business, © 2009 Jim Halsey / Tate Publishing, LLC. Used by permission. Purchase the book here: http:// www.jimhalsey.com/

By: Mike Hagler, Jr.

YouTube, Viacom and the DMCA

I

n 2007, Viacom sued Google, the parent company of YouTube, for copyright infringement. This was done after many thousands of videos with materials copyrighted by Viacom had been uploaded to the site by YouTube users without proper permission or licenses. YouTube was being accused of allowing the videos even though they knew it was copyrighted material.

In 2010, Google/YouTube won a court ruling in the case with Viacom under the safe harbors provision of the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act). Essentially, this part of the DMCA protects websites, ISPs and other portions of the web safe from improperly licensed copyrighted material uploaded by its users. This, of course, is dependent on whether the site removes the content in question after being notified.

As the lawsuit unfolded over several years, YouTube created many tools to help combat improperly licensed music or videos on its service. Labels and copyright holders were able to “flag” videos for takedown, and some could even get material uploaded into a database that would eventually start to flag material on its own. This, however, leads to issues of videos being automatically taken down on Artist’s own YouTube accounts which are often separate from the labels. Interestingly enough, I had a tough time last year with one of Dolly Parton’s videos because it had been uploaded prior to me by our aggregation service to their YouTube account. I got “flagged” even though I work directly with the artist and label. I got flagged again when trying to upload the entire Dolly: Live from London release on to YouTube’s rental service. Believe me, I am not complaining. I am glad such precautionary measures can be taken when uploading copyrighted material.

Viacom appears to not want to use the tools available to them to police their con-

tent. Also, rather than sue a bunch of users that most likely don’t have any money, they decided to go after a company with very deep pockets. Given that YouTube is still mostly a “user-generated content” service, they can’t really be held responsible for the actions of their users. Besides, YouTube is very good at removing offending content!

Even a judge in the case made clear that on February 2, 2007, Viacom requested around 100,000 videos be taken down. Nearly all of them were gone by the next business day.

Interestingly, news on Viacom’s site at http:// news.viacom.com/news/Pages/youtubelitigation.aspx states that YouTube and Google stole videos - building a substantial business that was sold for billions of dollars. What is wrong with this statement is that Google has not sold YouTube! So, if they were going to make such an accusation, it should have read that YouTube stole videos to build a business that was bought by Google for $1.65 billion.

Viacom says the case was about intentional theft. Though, YouTube did not intentionally steal the copyrighted material.

In any case, I am glad the ruling turned out the way it did. Had YouTube lost, it would have opened the floodgates for many other companies to sue for the same reason based on the precedent that would have been set by a YouTube loss. In my opinion, there are many hands out there that can work together to keep the copyrighted material off of YouTube. There is in most cases more than one copyright holder. The labels, artist management and publishing companies could all work together on sending takedown notices or uploading content into YouTube’s database. Besides, they are the ones who know best what is infringing. You can’t expect YouTube to know every single song that may or may not be properly licensed for upload on YouTube.

T

he Direct Buzz offers reviews by a team of professional music critics. Any AirPlay Direct artist or label interested in being considered for a review, should contact us. Choose three songs from your DPK, and we’ll give you our opinion of them. We can’t guarantee a rave review, but we can assure you that it will be honest and constructive.

We will try to honor all requests, but it might take a while. As such, your patience is appreciated.

Sleepy Driver

No Justice

EvaEva

Steady Now

Second Avenue

Shantaram

AirPlayDirect.com/SleepyDriver

AirPlayDirect.com/NoJustice

AirPlayDirect.com/EvaEva

Sleepy Driver hails from New Brunswick, Canada, but their sound is decidedly Southern California. Think latter-day Byrds, Gram Parsons and the Flying Burrito Brothers with David Crosby and Roger McGuinn sitting in on acoustic guitars. Singer/songwriter Peter Hicks didn’t plan on Sleepy Driver; it practically happened by accident.

Over the years he’d penned songs that didn’t fit his current projects, so the tunes were largely parked. But one day, flipping through his songbook, he recognized some recurring themes: hard lessons, life and death, love and leaving, murder and betrayal. The songs read like a road journal: escaping mistakes, accepting consequences, and making the humble drive home. On their debut album, Steady Now, they stake their claim as skillful purveyors of guitardriven, twangy roots-pop, with stylings of college rock, blues, and country.

Full of accessible, radio-friendly songs with beautiful melodies and irresistible hooks, there is something for everyone on this album, which easily fits on Americana, AAA and college radio playlists. Among many highlights is the leadoff track, “Like A Weapon,” the feedback-laden “Get Right With The Lord,” the Tom Petty-ish “When The Lights Come On” and “Architects.”

Paul Clifford

A fixture on Texas radio, No Justice puts a Nashville spin on their latest release, Second Avenue. Blending roots, red dirt, country and blues has always been the stock in trade of this Oklahoma band. With the introduction of producer, Dexter Green (Collective Soul), they retain their sound, while adding a decidedly edgy country flavor which should score well with radio. “Love Song” channels Mellencamp, while “Just Get Going” reveals influences and shades of Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20. The band shines on “Coming Up The River,” which has a real swampy, downhome, back porch guitar-pickin’ good time feel. The group shifts gears for “World War III,” which rocks hard with snarling and squealing guitars; it presents a good set up for “Heart On A Chain,” a gentle love song that shimmers with guitars and soft brushes on drums. The band’s subtle, yet sweet harmonies, embellish the melancholy “Gone Ain’t Far Enough,” a great candidate for an expansive video treatment. “Broken Heart Tattoo” and “Going Nowhere” both rock with intensity and reveal their Red Dirt roots. But, even a state the size of Texas has its borders and it is time for No Justice to introduce themselves to the rest of the country. Paul Clifford

EvaEva defines her genre as World Fusion, the majority of her work being based upon Brazilian and Indian rhythms combined with Electronica to create a modern organic sound. Her parents, Googie and Tom Coppola recorded and toured with many internationally-acclaimed artists, among them some of Brazil’s masters. A text book case of contrasts, EvaEva studied flute with Julius Baker and Brad Garner at the Juilliard School. While a student there, she performed with Jean-Pierre Rampal and a flute chorus at Carnegie Hall. From the late 80’s to early 90’s, she could be seen spinning tracks at the Palladium, Limelight, Red Zone, Shout, Tavern On The Green, the Rainbow Room and other hot spots in the Big Apple, where she calls home. “Shantaram” opens the album with throbbing percussion set to a vocal melody reminiscent of Stevie Wonder. Her cover of “Change The World” stays true to the original, but with her unique vocal stylings and layered harmonies. “Mama Used To Say” juxtaposes strong Brazilian percussion rhythms and soaring electric guitars with passionate and pure vocals pouring out a potent melody. “Wrap It In My Heart” sets the stage with eastern Indian drum sounds giving way to pure pop ecstasy. Susan Fischer

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