This week in Canada Country Aircheck we have our DMDS report for the week and we have the hotest singles for the week. In our Listening Room we have new music for you to check out.
Ambassador to Mazatlan, Mexico and we outline the country shows he produces each month from November to March for tourists. We also showcase Brent’s video for his current single Runnin On Fumes.
We follow-up with all the events from CRS that was held last week in Nashville. We bring you up to date with the latest news.
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We go on The Road to Saskatoon where If you have a story you would like us to cover each week we will keep you up to date on simply e-mail us at news@canadacountryairevents, deadlines as we head to Saskatoon for check.com CCMA Music Week and the CCMA Awards. Our cover story this week is Brent McAthey. We talk to Brent about him being Tourism
As we plow through winter in Canada in Mazatlan Mexico the average temperature December through March is just 82 degrees. That sounds pretty darn good to me. Our friend Brent McAthey saw an opportunity to promote country music shows once a month November to March. Brent has been doing this for the past three years and he says “With support from the state Government the city of Mazatlan. And the secretary of tourism.” “I was named the official Tourism Ambassador by both the City of Mazatlan and the State of Sinaloa for my commitment to promoting Mazatlan international which I’m proud of and work hard at.” The shows were held for 2 years in a 300 seat showroom in the Hotel Playa Mazatlan. Then last year the show moved to Mazatlan’s biggest resort EL CID, and was performed in their 650 seat showroom which was sold out for almost every show. The people buying the tickets which includes an open bar and open buffet plus the show are snowbirds and tourists for the most part but all the guest artist worked hard promoting the show here in Mazatlan through out the year at their other shows in Canada and the
US. So many of their fans booked trips to Mazatlan Mexico to enjoy a week or 2 in paradise AND got to see their favorite country artist too. Brent says his priorities are: 1st. To promote Mazatlan as an amazing place to go and visit. It has so much to offer. 2nd. To promote Canadian country artist to people from all over the world who are visiting Mazatlan Last year Patricia Conroy, Beverley Mahood and Michelle Wright took the trip to Mazatlan to perform for a sold out crowd and knowing these girls it probably included some beach time as well.
and Gil Grand.
The guys on stage with Brent are Duanne Steel, Jake Mathews
As a radio station it may make sense to contract Brent and work out a listener travel package to offer for next season which is November 2017 to March 2018. This would make for a cool contest and one you could no
doubt get sponsored. E-mail Brent here. As an artist if you want to perform contact Brent and check out the possibilities. You can reach Brent here! For more info go www.countryinmazatlan.com
Brenster is a seasoned performer who has spent most of his life writing and singing songs. Years of accolades and awards, travels and tribulations later, he’s figured out where and what is important to him and to his career.
production company (Brenster Productions ) in Mazatlan, Mexico which has produced two of the most successful concert series shows in the cities history.
Born and raised in Calgary Alberta, Brent McAthey AKA (Brenster) had a successful career in Canada and Europe as an independent country recording artist. With dozens of nominations and awards throughout the industry, including being a two time recipient of Alberta’s Male Artist of the Year. He charted no less than 15 radio singles and 4 CMT aired videos during the 1990’s and 2000’s. He has spent the last 10 years building a career and
His new CD. “Runnin’ on Fumes” is a collection of all original material Runnin’ on Fumes is the first single from his CD of the same name. It’s honest, simple, and just like Brenster true and clean. Visit Brent online at www.thebrenster.ca
February 21st 1. The Hunter Brothers “Getaway” (Open Road) 2. Frankie Ballard “You’ll Accomp’ny Me” (Warner) 3. Jess Moskaluke ”Drive Me Away” (MDM /Universal/Dale Speaking Promo) 4. The Band Perry “Stay In The Dark” (Interscope/Universal) 5. Blake Shelton “Every Time I Hear That Song” (Warner) February 22th 1. Frankie Ballard “You’ll Accomp’ny Me” (Warner) 2. Makayla Lynn “One Plus One” (Indie/L. Tutty Promo) 3. The Hunter Brothers “Getaway” (Open Road) 4. Jess Moskaluke ”Drive Me Away” (MDM /Universal/Dale Speaking Promo) 5. Brett Michael Monka “Take That Chance” (Indie) February 23rd 1. The Hunter Brothers “Getaway” (Open Road) 2. Frankie Ballard “You’ll Accomp’ny Me” (Warner) 3. Blake Shelton “Every Time I Hear That Song” (Warner) 4. Jess Moskaluke ”Drive Me Away” (MDM /Universal/Dale Speaking Promo) 5. Makayla Lynn “One Plus One” (Indie/L. Tutty Promo) February 24th 1. Brett Eldredge “Somethin’ I’m Good At” (Warner) 2. Makayla Lynn “One Plus One” (Indie/L. Tutty Promo) 3. Frankie Ballard “You’ll Accomp’ny Me” (Warner) 4. Blake Shelton “Every Time I Hear That Song” (Warner) 5. The Hunter Brothers “Getaway” (Open Road)
NUMBER 1 SONG THIS WEEK Jon Pardi “Dirt On My Boots” Second week at # 1
Top Can Con Song Dean Brody “Time” Moves up to # 3
New On The Charts TENILLE ARTS “What He's Into”
Most added Single This week Jess Moskaluke “Drive Me Away”
Ones to Watch Madeline Merlo “Over And Over” Moves to #25 Genevieve Fisher “Take It On” is #42 this week
Tony Jackson Indie Artist Releases “The Grand Tour” We don’t normally cover US indie artists but Tony Jackson’s version of the George Jones classic The Grand Tour blew us away. After over 10 MILLION views and over 300 THOUSAND shares on the live in studio version since November, a new video was released to Country Rebel’s Facebook page just seven days ago and in that short time has garnered over 4.2 MILLION views and over 100 thousand shares. The fans are speaking loudly. The video has also just been added to CMT and GAC! ) “The Grand Tour” is exploding! Tony Jackson’s star is rocketing skyward as “The Grand Tour” begins its ascent. His debut album TONY JACKSON will be released on DDS Entertainment/ Sony-RED in May, 2017. Jackson [a former Marine] is driving the vanguard of a return to traditional country music surrounded by a supporting cast of music industry heavyweights. Discover one of the strongest,
most emotionally-charged voices since Randy Travis blew the doors off country music in 1985 and ushered in a new era. Take “The Grand Tour” and experience the magic of Tony Jackson. Hopefully this single will be released in Canada.
JUST FUN FEEL GOOD MUSIC JAMIE VANSCOTT “TOUCHIN” Jamie VanScott is one of the new country artists out there today that got his start in Rock n’ Roll. This is apparent in his debut “Horse Named Flash”. Having performed on stages with many of the world’s biggest names, the singer/songwriter is no stranger to the draw of a good tune. “I haven’t had a chance to listen to much of the country top 40 music lately, but I have my favourite country hits that I like to listen to”. he says. Growing up listening to his father play many of the popular country songs, VanScott fell in love with songs from Kenny Rogers, Marshall Tucker Band and the Charlie Daniels’ Band - to name a few. Being around music his whole life, it was only natural that he would pick up the guitar himself and start making his own flavour of music. That flavour has now mor-
phed into a new country music style that VanScott describes as “just fun, feel good, music”. “Touchin” lyrics pretty much speaks for itself as far as meaning goes. I was inspired to write it one night as I stared at my new bride and got feeling a bit frisky” says Jamie VanScott. “Let the Touchin Do the Talkin,The Lips Do the Lockin”, hopefully we’ve all experienced that great feeling. “I needed to put it into a song.” says VanScott. “Touchin” is available on DMDS and going for adds now!
MANITOBA ARTIST QUINTON BLAIR SIGNS ON WITH JANSTAR ENTERTAINMENT Janice Starodub of management and consulting company JanSTAR Entertainment has announced that Award-winning Country singer/songwriter Quinton Blair has joined their roster of artists. This announcement comes just before Blair kicks off a Western Canadian tour on February 23rd at the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg, where he will be sharing the stage with Austin TX based, Six Shooter Records artist Whitney Rose. “I’m really looking forward to taking this journey with Quinton, he’s fun to work with and I’ve been a fan of his music for years.” Says Starodub. “We have an ambitious ‘to do’ list, but I’m sure all the goals we’ve set are within our reach” Honest as a day spent on a tractor, and driven like the drifting Prairie snow, Manitoba Country Music Association Roots Artist of the Year for 2015 and 2016, Quinton Blair is a self-ordained troubadour, tale-spinner, and songwriter. Influenced by the likes of Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Dwight Yoakam and Merle Haggard, his brand of strikingly diverse roots/country music casts a wide loop, captivating audiences with witty stories and relatable songs, while also resonating with the soul. His latest EP, Cash Crop, released in April of 2016, boasts elements of heartland roots, country, and rock, featuring Blair’s signature themes of agriculture, hurt and redemption. The collection of four songs was produced by Murray Pulver (former founding member of Doc Walker) and features co-writes by Del Barber, Blake Berglund, and Clayton Bellamy (The Road Hammers).
His upcoming Western Canadian Tour, starting on February 23rd, will see Blair performing throughout Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, occasionally being joined by special guests. For more information, go to www.quintonblair.com JanSTAR Entertainment: Through her undeniable passion for the music industry, a strong work ethic, and a genuine care for her clients, Manager and Consultant Janice Starodub has been bringing new and exciting artists into the mainstream since JanSTAR Entertainment was established in 2013. Having previously managed such acts as PETRIC, Bryce Pallister (MCM Recordings Inc.), and Rhia Rae, and currently working withOakville, Ontario artist Nicole Rayy and Manitoba Country Music Association’s 2015 and 2016 Roots Artist of the Year Quinton Blair, Janice has also produced and promoted several shows and events including the Songwriters Association of Canada’s Bluebird North shows, the Lockport Dam Family Festival, the sold out Kickin’ It Country series, and the Manitoba Country Music Awards. www.janstarentertainment.com
Last week radio stations from across Canada, Europe and of course the US came to Nashville for the 2017 CRS. We thought we would share some of the information that was given. First up is the Edison Research Presentation. We haven’t iuncluded everything but took the key points. Smartphone ownership in 2009 = 10% in 2017 = 81% Time Spent listening to audio sources on Smartphone Owned Music 42% Streaming 39% Am/FM Radio 8% Podcasts 7% Other 4% It was said at CRS this year if you don’t have a mobile strategy you don’t have a future strategy! Little known fact that 78% use their smartphone in the bathroom Smartphones are important to people in fact 41% said they would retrieve their smartphone if it fell in a porta-potty 48% men would and 34% women would Country music listeners use an average of 7 different apps a day Daily Smartphone useage Social media 86% Messaging 61% Audio 56% Games 53% Productivity 50% Video 43% News/Magazines 43% Finance 42% Shopping retail 40% Health & Fitness 36% Information 34% Coupons 33% Daily Social Media Usage Facebook 80%
Instagram 42% Snapchat 34% Pinterest 25% Twitter 24% Interesting that 34% share a photo each day and 27% take a selfie each day 30% watch a Live Facebook Video each day and 11% broadcast a live Facebook Video each day Keys to reaching the social media audience is frequency aimed at a custom Audience, get endorsements and add contests 65% of mobile users use coupons each month, Listeners were asked what influenced them the most when making a product or service purchase for the first time 11% said a radio ad and 13% said a deal site with coupons. When asked about visiting a bar or restaurant for the first time 14% said a radio ad and 10% said a deal site. When a radio station or DJ talk about a product or service on social media 43% of smartphone users are likely to purchase and 48% of country music listeners are likely to purchase 21% of smartphone users look for lifestyle sites or apps 22% of mobile daily users like loyalty clubs and 46% monthly users like loyalty clubs Tim Horton’s makes for a good potential client as 82% of country listeners visit coffee shops that have a loyalty program. Maybe we build a special program just for Timmies 85% of country listeners use navigation apps. 49% use it to find a business 41% use it for traffic reports and 22% drop pins We suggest you check out the Edison Research page for the full presentation. It includes video and great slides. This is always the hight for me at CRS each year.
CMA MAKES A MARK AT 2017 COUNTRY RADIO SEMINAR As thousands of Country radio broadcasters traveled to Nashville for Country Radio Seminar (CRS), CMA hosted key events to welcome attendees, share valuable insights revealing the power of the Country Music radio consumer, and offer best practices regarding entries for the CMA Broadcast Awards. CMA rolled out the welcome mat for CRS attendees Wednesday during the welcome reception at the Omni Hotel. CMA Chief Marketing Officer Damon Whiteside shared opening remarks about the strength of the format and gave the audience a recap of the success of “Forever Country,” the hit single and music video honoring the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards. “In the 60 years since CMA was founded, Country Music has grown in a way the Association’s visionary founders could have only imagined,” said Whiteside. “Today the Country Music genre is stronger than ever and has become the single largest radio format, a direct result of the tireless efforts of the men and women working in Country radio.”
Friday’s breakout session, “And the CMA Broadcast Award Goes to…,” with CMA Senior Director of Awards and Industry Relations Brandi Simms. CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year and Board member Lon Helton also spoke on the panel. Hundreds of Country radio stations and personalities vie for the prestigious CMA Broadcast Awards each year, so attendees learned eligibility requirements and best practices for Broadcast Awards consideration. “The growth and vitality of Country Music is directly impacted by the passion and support of Country radio,” said Simms. “The CMA Broadcast Awards is our opportunity to recognize those stations and personalities advancing artist’ careers and, ultimately, reinforcing our mission to elevate awareness of the genre.” When CMA was founded in 1958, less than 200 Country radio stations existed in the U.S. Today, Country is the No. 1 radio format, holding strong with more than 2,000 U.S. Country radio stations.
On Thursday, CMA’s research team showcased data revealing the spending power of Country radio listeners compared to listeners of other popular radio formats. The presentation provided the radio industry with key insights regarding how advertisers can connect with the Country Music radio audience across six key categories—retail, communications, financial services, automotive, restaurants, and travel—accounting for more than $1.4 billion in annual radio ad spending. To view “Trending and Spending: The Country Music Radio Consumer” “With an attractive and brand-loyal base of listeners that are over-indexing in spending among the categories that are investing the most on radio advertising, Country radio is a valuable channel for advertisers to reach a highly engaged, more affluent consumer,” said Karen Stump, CMA Senior Director of Market Research. Rounding out CMA’s formal events at CRS was
CMA Chief Marketing Officer Damon Whiteside shares opening remarks during the 2017 Country Radio Seminar welcome reception Wednesday at the Omni Hotel in Nashville.
EMBRACING DATA TO PREDICT THE HITS We found this interesting a new survey of Mediabase PD’s and MD’s. Top factors for adding a new single! 1) Artist Stature and ruptation 2) Gut feeling (that doesn’t happen much these days) 3) Playlist fit tempo and sound Least important factors for adding a single 28. Spotify streaming data 30. YouTube streaming data 31. Most added data/ranking 32. Apple streaming data 34. Pandora streaming data 36. SiriusXM airplay/data 37. Compelling video The Power of Most Added “Most Added” scored 31st among PDs as an influence for adding a new single. Being the number 1 most added is probably the number 1 early indicator of a hit Reached No. 1 55% Reached Top 15 82% Top 10 most added 5 + straight weeks Usually means a very big hit! Pct. that reach No. 1 73% Important factors for increasing spins 1. Local callout/research 4. National media exposure 9. National airplay chart growth Achieving Airborne Status Average peak of any charting single: 19 Average peak of an Airborne single: 12
Look for big sales per spinin chart week number 2 With 12 or more sales per spin: ¡ 70% of them reached No. 1 ¡ The average peak was 6 Pandora Country Between 30 -10 Pandora’s chart leads Mediabase in projecting top 10 hits … by an average of 4-5 weeks. (this is interesting since in an earlier question Pandora wasn’t an important factor for adding a single) Five Factors for offering predictive value 1. 12+ Shazams per spin in 2nd chart week 2. #1 Most Added, 5 weeks on Most Added 3. Early Airborne status 4. 12+ Sales per spin in 2nd chart week 5. Pandora spins chart from 30-10 Now here is an interesting one. Top factors for adding a single considerations reguarded as very likely or somewhat likely. 1. Artist stature/reputation 96% intangible 2. Gut feeling 91% intangible 3. Playlist fit (tempo, sound) 75% intangible 4. Sales data 74% audience research 5. Free show for station 72% engagement 6. Prior single’s performance 71% local/nat’l airplay 7. Local concert appearance 70% engagement 8. Relationship with artist 69% intangible 9. Local callout/research 69% local research 10. Word of mouth from PDs 64% intangible 11. Relationship with label 59% intangible Want to see the whole report go here
Here is some really good information for your sales manager and sales department.
The Reasons for Teaching ROI to All Local Direct Clients and Precisely How to Do it By Paul Weyland Go here to see report HOW ARE YOU PROTECTING YOUR CORE REVENUES? Paul Weyland – Paul Weyland Communication Strategies John Henley – The Center for Sales Strategy Greg Lindahl – Moderator Go here to see report GROSS PROFIT MARGIN BY INDUSTRY Go here to see report
Diamonds In The Rough Showcase your Talents at the 2017 Country Music Week In Saskatoon The Diamonds in the Rough Stage is the perfect place to showcase during Country Music Week.
ual success. Canada has many talented artists looking for opportunities to perform and share their music. Sirroma Diamonds in the Rough Stage was created in 2012 Entertainment gives artists an opportunity to perwhile Canadian Country Music Week was being held form during this prestige week in country music. It in Saskatoon SK. The vision for this stage came about will serve to contribute to the contentment of artists, from watching artists aimlessly wander with no sense reassuring them that their contribution to the Canaof direction during the week. We felt there was a dian Country Music Industry is very much apprecineed to change that. ated. Every artist deserves the opportunity to be visible while developing their craft and this was a stage where they could be seen and heard. At Sirroma Entertainment, we believe that every artist, given the correct tools and opportunities, will achieve individ-
Submissions open Feb 16, 2017 and close April 30, 2017. Please submit to sirromastage@gmail.com
WEBSTER PUBLIC RELATIONS & CMA CELEBRATE 3RD ANNUAL LEGENDARY LUNCH For a third year in a row, The Webster Public Relations Legendary Lunch co-hosted by CMA and sponsored by DUKE FM, Springer Mountain Farms, and The Country Music Cruise was a success!!! With over 40 artists in attendance with a staggering cumulative stats that include 171 #1 Billboard chart hits, 559 Top 10 Billboard chart hits, and over 1033 Top 40 Billboard charted singles, the attendees that included Country radio, music industry, and media enjoyed camaraderie and fellowship. Pictured: Front row L-R: Gene Watson, Wanda Jackson, Brenda Lee, Tanya Tucker, WSM’s Bill Cody, Jeannie Seely, Donna Fargo, Jana Jae, Sylvia Second row L-R: Larry Black, Lorrie Morgan, Moe Bandy, Janie Fricke, Razzy Bailey, Crystal Gayle, T.G. Sheppard, Bobby Bare.
Third row L-R: Mark Wills, Bill Anderson, Webster PR’s Kirt Webster, CMA’s Sarah Trahern, Dave & Sugar’s Dave Rowland, Roy Clark, Kathie Baillie, David Frizzell, Johnny Lee, Tracy Lawrence, Darrin Vincent. Fourth row L-R: T. Graham Brown, Ronnie McDowell, Tim Rushlow, Wilson Fairchild’s Langdon Reid and Wil Reid, Jamie Dailey, Lee Greenwood, Michael Bonagura, Forester Sisters’ Christy Forester, Kim Forester, June Forester, Kathy Forester Fifth row L-R: Bellamy Brothers Howard and David, John Conlee, Jennifer McCarter, KY Headhunters Richard Young, Doug Phelps, Fred Young, and John Michael Montgomery Back row L-R: Exile’s Steve Goetzman, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis, Oak Ridge Boys Joe Bonsall, Richard Sterban, William Lee Golden, Duane Allen.
WILLIE NELSON, KENNY CHESNEY, MIRANDA LAMBERT, JOHN MELLENCAMP AND DIERKS BENTLEY TO HEADLINE ALL-STAR CONCERT CELEBRATION HONORING MERLE HAGGARD
The family of Merle Haggard, Blackbird Presents and Willie Nelson are proud to announce Sing Me Back Home: The Music Of Merle Haggard, an all-star concert event taping at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. CT in honor of what would have been Merle’s 80th birthday and the one-year anniversary of his passing. This one night-only concert event taping will bring together fans, friends and music icons to honor the life and songs of music legend Merle Haggard. Sing Me Back Home: The Music Of Merle Haggard will feature performances by Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, John Mellencamp, Dierks Bentley, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Jr., The Avett Brothers, Alison Krauss, Ronnie Dunn, Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lucinda Williams, Ben Haggard, John Anderson, Connie Smith and Bobby Bare. Additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Merle Haggard racked up an astounding 38 No. 1 country hits and every major award imaginable. Songs like “Mama Tried,” “Okie From Muskogee,” “I’m A Lonesome Fugitive” and “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike, and as we approach what would have been a major milestone, the time has come to celebrate his truly remarkable career. He was an iconoclast who refused to bend to country music convention and helped create the indelible Bakersfield sound. He gave voice to outlaws and outsiders and in a way that few, if any, have ever equaled.