This week in Canada Country Aircheck we have our DMDS report for the week and we have the hotest single for the week. In our Listening Room we have a lot of new music for you to check out. The Juno Award Nominees were announced this week and we have the complete list of country acts nominated. Our cover story this week is From Recording To Radio where we cover tracking and ideas how to move your career to the next level. . CRS is coming up fast and nxt week we will
have a complete list of events at this years CRS which starts February 22nd. We will list all the seminars and information you need to make this years CRS a great experience. We have the Nashville News for you and much more. Share our magazine with your people in your company. It is free so make sure you are on our mailing list. If you have a story you would like us to cover simply e-mail us at news@canadacountryaircheck.com
There are two words in music business. MUSIC and BUSINESS. The music part is the fun part and the business part is the hard part. You have no doubt spent a lot of money in the studio to record your hit song and now you have to get it out to radio. As an indie and a Canadian artist you have a smaller market to cover then an American indie. First of all in Canada country radio is about 100 stations while in the US they need to try and reach out to 2,000 stations. On one of my first trips to Nashville I realized how different the markets were when I saw that there were over 100 country stations in Kentucky alone. While you are writing or recording you should be building your team. Your team should include a manager, booking agent, PR person social media professional and a key part of your team should be a radio tracker. Realize that radio stations receive a lot of music each week from well established artists plus emerging artists and brand new artists. Playlists are always tight and there is no way that every song that comes into a radio station will get airplay. Radio music directors are nice people. If you are tracking your own single a music director may tell you you have a great single and they will take it to the music
meeting. They understand that you have put a lot of time and money in your project and they don’t want to burst your bubble. So you hang up and are excited that your single will be included in the music meeting. Truth is maybe five major artists all of a sudden release their new single and yours is forgotten. Making decisions today of what goes on air is not just the music director anymore. You have VP Programming who works out of head office consulting with each of their stations, you have radio consultants who advise on what should go on air, you have audience testing and then you have the music meeting. Trackers are professionals that understand all these aspects and they work on your behalf calling the radio stations across the country weekly to ensure your music is front and center. An MD will be more honest with a tracker rather than to an artist’s face about their music. Trackers know that No doesn’t always mean No at radio, BUT we also know when to push and when to step back and come back another time with more ammo - it’s a fine balance. Keep your tracker posted on all your latest news and don’t stop creating ‘news’ for your tracker. It gets stale calling radio every week and saying the same thing over and over again.
When I worked in radio one of the record labels sent out dart boards to most stations that listed all the excuses music directors could use when talking with trackers. The idea was when the music director got a call they would throw a dart at the dart board and that would be the excuse for not adding a single that week. It was a fun promotion and one that radio had a lot of fun with but at the same time got the message across. This is what trackers are faced with each week when they call stations. We have all
heard these excuses but in today’s world realize the music director has a bunch of people to answer to so it is not only his decision. Many people can not take rejection well so it takes a very special person to be a tracker and to keep calling the radio stations back week after week for the life of the record. We talked to some trackers .
Anya Wilson Anya Wilson Promotion & Publicity
Having been in this specialized field both in the UK and here over a span of years, I’ve seen the wheel regularly reinvented to fit the times. One well-used saying which can lead to misunderstanding that continually gets my goat is “It’s All About the Song”. I’ve considered so many times having t-shirts printed saying, “It’s not ALL About the Song”. The thing is, when preparing a single for release, the fact that a great song is needed is a given. Equally important elements coupled with that are:- THE PRODUCTION (can it compete with today’s most up to date trends?), VOCALS (are they strong enough, do they emote when they should, are the vocal hooks planned attractively?). Then apart from the sound aspect, what is the story behind the artist? Is the photography/video clip magic? does it show some of the personality of the artist? What are the future plans for this artist? How is their live show? All these are preliminary items that we trackers need to know and consider before we take a project on. Most new artists are still in the developing stage when they bring their first single to us, and one thing I’ve learned is many times you cannot speed up the process of development. You have to live it in order to realise it. The biggest challenge we have is managing expectations of new clients who usually visualize a top 10 track out of the gate. This does happen occasionally, of course, if the artist has all the elements and more at the start and is backed by an impressive team, but they are a very small percentage. Preparation for a release to radio is key: I would
recommend the artist, or a trusted representative, taking an online social media course to see how that works. Implementing this is a good way to get noticed ahead of and during release time. Becoming an member of your local/regional music association and attending their events. It gets you noticed among your peers, creates a network, provides mentors and gives you an infrastructure. I would also enlist for any reputable online contests that come up, as even if you don’t win, you get exposure and attention and that’s what we look for in this business. Even make sure that your single is on Spotify, as impressive stream numbers are good to have and to add to your story. Radio is certainly important, but it is only one of many paths of exposure to take, and an artist needs all channels covered equally to get ahead. Anya Wilson’s career has spanned several decades, the first part in England and now in Canada. She has worked all formats but currently works exclusively in the country format. Clients today include George Canyon, PETRIC, Aaron Pritchett and Dallas Smith, the latter two have received a 2017 Juno nomination for album of the year and Smith’s single “Autograph” was the only track to reach #1 at Canadian country radio in both Mediabase and BDS charts last year. Anya Wilson Anya Wilson Promotion & Publicity 416.266.2273
Lauren Tutty Lauren Tutty Promotions
Lauren Tutty is proud to be celebrating her 10th year in business. “One of the first artists I had the pleasure of working with was Julian Austin. What a great way to open up doors at radio with such an established artist. It’s hard to believe that was 10 years ago. One of my first calls to radio was to Pete Walker at KX96. We hit it off then and we still have a great relationship today.” Hailing from Liverpool Nova Scotia (The Home of Hank Snow) she has had the pleasure of working for some of the best country musicians Canada has to offer. “I love what I do and I’m passionate about the music and the people I work for. Yes I’ve had the pleasure to work with some key artists like Jess Moskaluke, Gord Bamford, One More Girl, Julian Austin, John Landry, Crystal Shawanda, and Barney Bentall, but I’m always looking for emerging indie artists, with great tunes and a good work ethic.” “My job is not only to acquaint and acquire radio with the song and artist at hand; but to make sure that the door is open for the next single down the road. It’s a building process.” “Working together to get to the next level is what we do. When an Artist like Jess Moskaluke goes from releasing Amen Hallelujah (the first single we worked on) to three time CCMA Female Artist of the Year, we feel very proud that we were part of her early team.”
As our motto says we are … YOUR VOICE AT RADIO!
Having a tracker work for you at radio makes good sense. Now is not the time gamble your musical career on your tracking abilities. Remember that if you’re not going to work with a tracker … then you are going to have to compete with one.
Lauren Tutty Promotions lauren@laurentutty.com (902) 354-2929
Joël Lamoureux Blue Eyes Music Promotions I’m a firm believer that to be the best you have to surround yourself with people that you feel can give you the best. When it comes to being the best in entertainment trust me when I say there are no short cuts. It is important to have one on one artist coaching, brand & product development, networking, recording insights, picking the right song to get to radio, how radio works, industry knowledge and tools, saving money to help you achieve your goals. One of the most exciting parts of being an artist is getting your song played on the radio. You give your heart and soul to your art and now you need audiences to hear it. With a limited number of spots in playlist rotation available on a radio station roster and this being one of the most competitive landscapes in the history of Canadian music you’ll need to have an advantage working for you. It is tougher than ever to get radio airplay so wouldn’t it be a huge advantage to know what radio programmers are thinking when they have the weekly music meeting considering songs to add? In my experience in the radio and entertainment world I’ve seen the things that work and the things that don’t. Learning these invaluable insights will allow you to gain the most growth and help you avoid mistakes that many artists have unfortunately endured. My personal promise to each client is that I won’t steer you wrong and we’ll assess every decision to ensure it’s the right one for you. I’m essentially giving you my eyes, ears, heart, gut, and hunger on everything I have and have built to make sure you excel to new heights! I bring with me a highly trained ear that has been groomed over the years in radio studios, recording sessions and working ‘live’ on stages and events from coast to coast. My experience comes from a hands on hunger for learning and growing and working with artists that are early in their career to coaching and working with some of the most notable names in Canadian Country music.
As a Program Director, Music Director and on air personality I know how busy it is inside the radio station. I’ve designed a streamlined and effective way to deliver your music and information to radio to help save time for programmers and ultimately make it easier for them to decide to hear your music and ultimately add your track to the playlist. My expertise in the music business, radio programming and promotional creativity will provide a tactical approach to pitch and present your music to radio stations. You have to be great to get to radio and now that you’re ready I’ll leverage my personal network of developed relationships across Canada to get you to the key decision makers. For your promotional and tracking needs I will be your advocate to all things connecting you and your song to radio. Blue Eyes Music Promotions will present your music with the same passion that YOU have for it. I’ll keep you and your latest single top of mind with a number of strategies that I’ve developed that will be effective with radio programmers Whether you are an established Canadian music performer or you are just launching your first radio single; contact
Blue Eyes Music Promotions http://www.blueeyesmusicpromotions.ca/
Yvonne Valnea Last Tango Productions 416-538-1838
What makes our company stand out is the amount of ground we can cover for an artist in all aspects of the industry which means we are able to suggest an overall long term game plan, much as an indie label would do. Some artists are ready to go straight to commercial (Country) radio while others need to create a buzz and build an audience elsewhere first i.e non-commercial radio such as College, Roots, CBC etc. and press reviews and coverage from known music reviewers and bloggers. All of this combined helps to build up an artist’s social media, book more shows and festivals and, ultimately, allow them a better chance at commercial radio when the time comes. Country radio is an expensive proposition and part of our expertise is to be able to step back and see a full step-by-step plan and not push an artist into any one niche when they aren’t ready yet. Too many artists go to radio with one single after another and don’t do any other form of promotions, hoping that radio alone will get them to the next step. Our most successful artists are willing to go out and meet with music directors face to face, they have shows booked and keep working hard at their career. Artists have to do more than throw one single out after another in order to stay at the top of the pile and then we prioritize that artist at commercial radio once the time comes because music directors are inundated with music every week. In a nutshell, make sure you are a priority with your tracker and not on a ‘laundry list’ with a group of artists. Keep your tracker posted on all your latest news and don’t stop creating ‘news’ for us. It gets stale calling radio every week and saying the same thing over and over again. Make sure your brand, your website, your social media are all up to par. The competition has never been stiffer. You need to show that this is a career for you, not a hobby. Maximize your online presence, book shows, do press, do non-commercial radio, work work work. Music directors do notice! Most importantly, before you even start - listen to the radio. Will your song fit what radio is playing but still be unique to you and not a carbon copy of everything else you hear?
Last Tango Productions is a publicity and radio tracking company offering support in all areas of the music industry. Last Tango Productions has been nominated best publicity and/or radio promotions company for five consecutive years at the Canadian Music Week industry awards. Over the past two decades, president Yvonne Valnea, has built an impressive track record, one featuring numerous gold and platinum albums. She has contributed her many years of experience as a juror for the Juno Awards, Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, FACTOR, and the Havelock Country Music Showdown. Yvonne was the first radio promotions person to contribute a column to music industry trade magazine FYI and was the featured radio tracker panelist at the FACTOR seminar ‘Getting Your Music On Air’. Yvonne continues to contribute as a panelist for events such as Canadian Music Week and Country Music Week, the Ontario Country Music Association, FACTOR and more. Watch an extensive interview with Yvonne done by DMDS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KNpRMTfQ_Y
Yvonne Valnea Email: info@lasttangoproductions.com Eva Cheung (Assist. Promotions) Email: lasttangopromo@gmail.com 2100 Bloor St. West, Suite 6273 Toronto, ON M6S 5A5 Phone: 416-538-1838 Web: www.lasttangoproductions.com
As we stated in the begining of this article there are two words in MUSIC BUSINESS. Make sure you look after the BUSINESS part by building a strong team to help you move up the ladder of success. We are in a whole new world that includes terretrial radio but also includes Online Radio which is showing huge gains in audience size and hours tuned. Recent survey’s have shown that the average music fan no longer have a radio in their home. They use their smartphone, tablet, Smart TV, desktop and laptop. Even when they are driving they now have available WiFi equipped vehicles. Listen to Online radio and figure out which ones best fit your music. There are some really good online stations and then there are a lot of Mom & Pop type stations that don’t sound professional. Social media is a key are that you need to pay attention to. If you are like me you don’t always keep your social media up to date. There are so many social media outlets to reach your potential fan base that it can become a full time job. From Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and many more you should maybe look at a company to look after your social media needs so you can spend your time on your music. There is a compony called Black Mountain Social Media that will handle your social media needs for you. Bl;ack Mountain Social Media & Promotion company for Country Music artists, both indie and label. We use an unique approach to Social Media to grow your music business. You can check them out here Do a business plan before your even start recording and talk to as many industry people as you can. I remember talking with Dierks Bentley when he first started his career and he had worked at a variety of places including TNN filing live performance tapes, he then went on to working at the CMA. He did this
so he could learn how the business works. That was a smart move so he understood what needed to be done to be successful. Promotion is also a very important element. Promote your self in your local town or city building a local fan base. Create media releases that have a strong hook so that local newspapers, radio and TV will want to cover your story. Once you have some local media attention move at creating provincial media attention. This will not only help you build a fan base it will also bring your career and music to the attention of talent buyers. Think outside the box and do things that will bring attention to your music and career. Don’t be afraid to fail because if you are doing what you love and you keep at it you will succeed. Over the years I have interviewed many stars. One question I ask is for any advice for someone starting out orworking on their career but it is stalled. Keith Urban told me “Play anywhere you can. Street corners, malls, subways anywhere just play. This will help you feel comfortable playiing for different audiences and you will find out what works and what doesn’t work.” Vince Gill “Do it because you love it not for the money and fame. Money and fame is a benefit of your love of music.” Brad Paisley “Go to a great school like Belmont University meet as many people as you can and learn about the business as much as you can.” Plan, learn and hire a great team to help you be a success including a professional tracker, management, PR but always remember what Vince Gill said Do it because you love it!
PAIGE WILLIAMS “AIN’T NO SAINT” COMING VALENTINES DAY In a culture seemingly driven by instant gratification, music fans appear starved for that next jolt of electricity. Paige Williams is a self-avowed fan of Shania Twain, Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood. With her vivacious sprit and Californian charm, she’s a legitimate candidate to join the ranks of those who’ve inspired her. An American and Canadian citizen who grew up in California and spent most of her summers in North
Battleford Saskatchewan on her family’s farm- she took an unusual leap—into the heart of one of the most competitive arenas in contemporary societythe music business. Paige grew up in an environment loaded with temptation. “I was fortunate to have music as my driving passion,” she says. “I stayed out of trouble by being constantly active. I started writing songs, and playing piano when I was very young.
Paige has recently finished her California Country EP and finally feels like this is the music she has wanted to sing and write all along. Musically, Paige has created her own version of what country music sounds like and means to her. Paige’s single “Ain’t No Saint” will be released on Canadian radio and digitally distributed Feb 14th 2017 - Valentine’s Day.. Push the play button and watch an introduction to this talented singer and watch for the single coming February 14th Valentines Day.
Brittany Brodie “Dreaming” Brittany Brodie is a singer-songwriter who appreciates every genre of music. From a young age she’s always known she wanted a career in the music business and her strong work ethic and positive attitude has made her the artist she is today. Brittany grew up on traditional country music from Vern Gosdin and Dottie West to Hank Williams and George Strait. In later years she was listening to The Dixie Chicks, Lee Ann Womack and Rascall Flatts. With an appreciation for all genres of music, she found inspiration from The Spice Girls. “They were a game changer for me. They inspired me in more ways than I ever imagined. I owe them a lot.”
Justin LaBrash “Hooked On You” Justin LaBrash is a sixth generation Saskatchewan farmer and all-around cowboy. True to his roots and like the paths of Brett Kissel or Gord Bamford he’s proud of who he is and where he comes from. Justin believes strongly in building communities and “paying it forward”. He has formed a partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan Foundation and a portion of the revenue he personally receives for performances, as well as the proceeds of his release concerts, will be donated to the CHSF. His country roots run deep, his heart is big, and his enthusiasm is endless. What more could you ask for in Canadian Country Artist. Have a listen to Justin’s single “Hooked On You”
Brittany’s new Single “Dreaming” was produced by Bill Bell (Jason Mraz, Tom Cochrane, Amanda Marshall). It was penned by Brittany, Frazer Mac, and Bill Bell during the Music Ontario Songwriting Challenge. Check out Brittany’s new single “Dreaming”
Andrew Frelick ‘Til I Found Love Dynamic and determined are just two words that can best describe Halifax, NS born country artist, Andrew Frelick! Growing up in nearby Bridgewater, NS, Andrew is a natural talent delivering rich vocals, country guitar, and a polished live off the floor sound.
Michaela Clarke “Believe That” Michaela Clarke is a 2 time nominee of the Alberta Country Music Awards. Her accolades include: opening for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, being nominated for Female Artist of the year, Fans Choice, and song of the year at the Alberta Country Music awards. Her single “Long Gone” was featured in the movie “Fire with Fire”, starring Bruce Willis in 2012. She has performed at the Canadian Country Music Awards on the Diamonds in the Rough stage for two consecutive years. Armed with a unique voice and an ability to tell stories through her songs, Michaela’s budding career marks the arrival of an exciting addition to the newest generation of country music. Check out “Believe That”
Rapidly building momentum following artist showcase performances during the 2015 CMA Fest & CCMA weeks, Andrew is making his mark in country music, and is definitely one to watch. Releasing Music Nova Scotia’s 2016 nominated “Country Recording of the Year” in August 2015, “Time Stands Still” both fuelled Frelick’s growth as a country artist, and added to his credibility as a proficient songwriter with co-writes on four of the six tracks. “’Til I Found Love” is an up beat Pop Country track featuring vocals from B.C native and Canadian Country Artist, Faith Numada.
February 3rd 1. Zac Brown Band “My Old Man” (Warner) 2. Sam Hunt “Body Like A Back Road” (Universal) 3. Keith Urban f. Carrie Underwood “The Fighter” (Capitol/Universal) 4. Aaron Pritchett “When A Momma’s Boy Meets a Daddy’s Girl” (Big Star/A. Wilson Promo) 5. Brothers Osborne “It Ain’t My Fault” (Universal)
NUMBER 1 SONG THIS WEEK Thomas Rhett “Star of the Show” Second week
Top Can Con Song Dean Brody “Time” Comes in at Number 6
February 6th 1. Zac Brown Band “My Old Man” (Warner) 2. Keith Urban f. Carrie Underwood “The Fighter” (Capitol/Universal) 3. Sam Hunt “Body Like A Back Road” (Universal) 4. JJ Shiplett “Darling Let’s Go Out Tonight” (Warner) 5. Brothers Osborne “It Ain’t My Fault” (Universal) February 7th 1. Blake Shelton “Every Time I Hear That Song” (Warner) 2. Zac Brown Band “My Old Man” (Warner) 3. Luke Combs “Hurricane” (Sony) 4. Michaela Clarke “Believe That” (Indie/B. Martineau Promo) 5. Justin LaBrash “Hooked On You” (Indie/L. Tutty Promo) February 8th 1. Blake Shelton “Every Time I Hear That Song” (Warner) 2. Midland “Drinkin’ Problem” (Big Machine) 3. Zac Brown Band “My Old Man” (Warner) 4. Sam Hunt “Body Like A Back Road” (Universal) 5. Keith Urban f. Carrie Underwood “The Fighter” (Capitol/Universal) February 9th 1. Blake Shelton “Every Time I Hear That Song” (Warner) 2. Sam Hunt “Body Like A Back Road” (Universal) 3. Zac Brown Band “My Old Man” (Warner) 4. Keith Urban f. Carrie Underwood “The Fighter” (Capitol/Universal) 5. Aaron Pritchett “When A Momma’s Boy Meets a Daddy’s Girl” (Big Star/A. Wilson Promo)
New On The Charts Madeline Merlo “Over and Over”
Most added Single This week AARON PRITCHETT “When A Momma's Boy Meets A Daddy's Girl”
Most Increased Plays Dallas Smith “Side Effects” Moves up to #21 Genevieve Fisher “Take It On” is #46 this week Dan Davidson “Barn Burner” is at number 30 this week.
Fundraiser for Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer Johnny Burke Our good firned Johnny Burke needs your help. This is from their Go Fund Me page. Johnny was just recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer along with a few other health issues. Because of this, he has not been able to work as often which has put a strain on him and his wife, Teresa financially. They are both such incredible individuals and Johnny has given so much to so many people in every sort of way. I believe it is our time to show our support for them, so please give generously as we help Johnny and Teresa through this difficult time. We all know medical bills and time away from work is never easy, so your contribution is very much appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have known Johnny for many many years and he has always given to people who are in need. Whether it be a benefit concert or just helping out Johnny was always there. Now he needs our help.To date they have raised just shy of $6,000 of the $25,000 he needs. Every little bit helps so give if you can. https://www.gofundme.com/fundraiser-for-johnny-burke
1 NIGHT. 1 PLACE. 1 TIME: A HEROES & FRIENDS TRIBUTE TO RANDY TRAVIS SOLD OUT SHOW FEATURES GARTH BROOKS, WYNONNA, ALABAMA, WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN, TRAVIS TRITT, TANYA TUCKER AND MORE 1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time: A Heroes and Friends Tribute to Randy Travis was a star-studded event enjoyed by a sold-out crowd.The concert featured performances from over 40 artists including Tanya Tucker singing Travis favorite “I Told You So,” The Bellamy Brothers singing “Diggin’ Up Bones” and a special rendition of “Forever and Ever, Amen” from Garth Brooks.
cent, Rudy Gatlin, Jan Howard, Riders in the Sky and Jeannie Seely. The group came together on stage to perform “I’ll Fly Away.”
Nashville Mayor Megan Berry made a special appearance during the show with a proclamation announcing the day as Randy Travis Day in the city of Nashville.
A portion of the proceeds are to go to the Randy Travis Foundation; a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides support for victims of strokes and cardiovascular diseases as well as arts and entertainment education for at-risk children.
The Governor of Tennessee, Bill Haslam showed up to wish Randy well and honor the adopted Tennessean by declaring the day Stroke Awareness Day. Other special performances included a Grand Ole Opry Moment featuring John Conlee, Dailey & Vin-
The end of the show featured a performance by Travis himself. With the all-star lineup, Randy Travis sang “Amazing Grace” and “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.”
It was a great night of entertainment for a good cause.
MIRANDA LAMBERT & MuttNation Foundation Receive Tremendous Support on the Highway Vagabond Tour As the Highway Vagabond Tour got off to a great start, Miranda is rallying the support of pet lovers by calling on concertgoers to support her passion and to “Fill The Little Red Wagon” at her tour stops with food and supplies to help animals in need. The country superstar is offering up the chance for one lucky fan and a guest to meet her before her performance. To enter, all you have to do is drop off pet food, treats or toys into the “Little Red Wagon” that is set up at the entrance of the venue on the evening of her shows. All donations benefit local shelters. “The Little Red Wagon was overflowing and then some”, says Lambert, “I want to thank my fans, the volunteers, the communities, the shelters, Petmate, Live Nation and Country Radio for their tireless efforts and for how much they care about what I love, which is the mutts.” “The food drive from the concert was a huge help to our organization,” Says Anna Yendes from Castaway Animal Rescue Effort in Springfield, MO. “People donated more than 600 lbs of food to us, plus an assortment of treats, canned food and other supplies. Our shelter, like many others, run on very tight budgets so we are constantly low on everything and worried about running out. Food drives like these are great because it allows us to help more animals that need it. Our cats and dogs were very happy when I got back to the center with all the donations!” A special thanks to the Pet Food Center chain in Evansville, IN for their tremendous support of shelter pets by carrying the MuttNation Fueled by Miranda Lambert Pet Collection in their stores. Every purchase helps change the lives of shelter dogs in a big way. Don’t Forget, love a shelter Pet!