Alison Brown to Celebrate Release of New Album 'The Song of the Banjo' on Oct. 7

            NASHVILLE -- With her new album, "The Song of the Banjo" (officially out Oct. 9 on Compass Records), GRAMMY Award-winning musician-composer-producer-entrepreneur Alison Brown plants another flag in her ongoing journey of sonic exploration.

            Alison Brown will perform at the City Winery on Oct. 7. Tickets, which range from $15 and $25, are available by calling (615) 324-1010. Along with her Compass Records co-founder, husband, bassist and co-producer Garry West, Brown has assembled an all-star cast for the album including Indigo Girls, Keb’ Mo’, Colin Hay, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, as well as some of acoustic music’s most adventurous session players, including legendary drummer Steve Gadd, fiddler Stuart Duncan, Dobro player Rob Ickes, upright bassist Todd Phillips and, on guitar and bouzouki, Irish phenom John Doyle.

            Of the 12 tracks on "The Song of the Banjo", seven are Brown originals, including the melodic, pop-flavored title piece that opens the set, as well the gravity-defying piano/banjo duet, “Musette for the Last Fret.” Then there are her trademark compositions written in Cinemascope - grandly sweeping melodies like “Long Time Gone” and the Celtic-tinged "Airish." "The Moon in Molly’s Eyes" brings in bossa nova, with lush strings by Andrea Zonn. “Stuff Happens,” written by Brown and West, turned into an accidental tribute to Gadd’s old band of studio aces, Stuff, which set the bar for ‘70s pop-funk-jazz fusion. 

            Brown’s choices for cover songs are even more surprising, from her bouncy take on Orleans’ soft-rocker “Dance With Me” to Cyndi Lauper’s hauntingly beautiful “Time After Time” to 1980’s instrumental chart-topper Chuck Mangione’s “Feel So Good,” featuring Shimabukuro’s tenor uke and the drumming of Gadd, a boyhood friend of Mangione. In Brown’s masterful hands, all three sound as if they were written for the banjo. “Time After Time” is particularly stunning. “It just lays out so beautifully on the banjo,” she says, “and I figure if it was good enough for Miles Davis, it’s good enough for me.” Brown’s unique cover versions work two very different kinds of magic, revitalizing these rock and pop classics while stripping away stereotypes of what a banjo can or can’t do. “Familiar music allows folks to understand an instrument that they may not be overly familiar with. The banjo is complex, with melodic ideas normally surrounded by rapid fire arpeggiated chords, but when you play a familiar tune it allows the audience to more clearly hear the voice of the instrument, and to understand how the playing style is integrated into, and around, the melody.”

          Brown and West keep those surprises coming, as Colin Hay wryly sings Dionne Warwick’s 1970 Bacharach/David hit, “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” accompanied by Brown on her custom-built wooden banjola. Keb’ Mo’s Americana-soul version of Marvin Gaye’s seminal “What’s Going On” is another unexpected pleasure. The bonus track, recorded after the album was finished and rush-released as a free-standing single, will be available on the CD’s Deluxe Edition. Along with Keb’s warm vocals, the song features instrumental sparks between Duncan and Brown, as well as an explosive piano solo by Joe Davidian. But it’s Brown’s understated backup and exploratory solo on low banjo that quietly steals the show.

            For those who came of age in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Brown’s re-invention of these familiar songs makes them sound brand new. For younger listeners hearing them for the first time, her versions may well set the new standard. That’s all part of the alternative banjo universe that Alison Brown occupies so beautifully on "The Song of the Banjo:, reaching into the past as she looks to the future, creating an album for people who didn’t know how much they liked the banjo, while giving banjo fans new reasons to love the instrument.

            “It’s amazing to me how much the banjo changed in the 20th Century,” Brown says. “And here we are in the dawn of the 21st; who knows where it may go?”

For one answer to that question, look no further than The Song of the Banjo.

            To learn more about the CD and Brown's new CD, visit http://www.CompassRecords.com.

'Fourth Annual Gospel Brunch' Brings Joy of the Lord to Americana Music Fest

(Editor's Note: City Winery hosted the "Fourth Annual Gospel Brunch" on Sept. 20 to help wrap up the Americana Music Fest. Here is an overview by MCAU contributing writer Wil Comstock.

 

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

            I arrived with the faithful 50 minutes early, full of anticipation and an empty stomach. Chicken and waffles with piping hot coffee is on the menu. This is going to be good. The McCrary Sisters, who rocked the house at the Awards Show, are scheduled to perform. Everyone is smiling and full of the Joy of the Lord.

            Church begins with The McCrary Sisters. “Hallelujah” sweet heartfelt vocals reaching up from the well and serving up living water. Deborah wrote “Let It Go” while she was recovering from a double stoke. With Ann on vocals, we are encouraged to let it all go and let God take over. The house band, who I believe were the McCrary’s own band, were all tasteful and incredible musicians. 

            Surprise guest Bonnie Bishop treated us to “Ain’t Goin Back” with The McCrary’s on background vocals. She reminds me of Bonnie Raitt, certainly someone to watch out for.

            Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer took the stage with her husband on accompanying guitar. My favorite was the autobiographical “Tell Me Now Tennessee”, the struggle of leaving home and loved ones in Texas to move to Tennessee to pursue her dream.

            Ruby Amanfu knocked me out with “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is Will Understand”...  Killer song and killer vocals, it doesn’t get better than this.

            Jonathan Tyler wrapped up the service with his modern Southern rock sound with songs like “Holy Smoke” and  “Working on a Building”.  After the latter he said,  “We play to the edges and fringes of society... The bars are our church”.

            Everyone took the stage and exchanged vocal lines on “I’ll Fly Away” as the parishioners clapped hands and joined in. There was no doubt we had been to church!

            To learn more about the Americana Music Fest, visit http://www.AmericanaMusic.org.

Americana Music Fest: Henry Diltz and Pattie Boyd Charm and Inspire During 'Behind the Lens'

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE -- Some people are meant to be famous. They have a remarkable gift (something they love to do) and make themselves available for cool things to happen -- without pushing the envelope too hard. Photographer Henry Diltz is one of those people. It's almost as if he stepped out of the shower one day into rock 'n' roll legend. Of course, it wasn't as simple as all that. He just happened to be at the right place at the right time. When opportunity knocked, he said "yes".

            Diltz shared his incredible and remarkably fun stories during a show-and-tell "Behind the Lens" audiovisual presentation on Sept. 13 at Nashville City Winery during the Americana MusicFest. Before going on, I have to say that Jed Hilly and his staff have done a terrific job putting together one of the best conferences and festivals in recent memory. The "Behind The Lens" event proves that the AMF has grown up and then some.

Henry Diltz and his famous "Morrison Hotel" photo (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            The photographer perched on a stool to the right of a large screen, sharing fascinating stories in sync with the passing frames.

            "I'm an observer," said Diltz, looking up at a photo of a beautiful girl in high heels pumping gas. "I also was a fan of cannabis".  His down-to-earth, good-natured talk drew applause and laughter from the audience.

            There were photos of Buffalo Springfield, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Michael Jackson, The Turtles, Jimmy Webb, Graham Nash, Blondie, George Harrison, and other superstars of the '60s and '70s.

            Diltz more or less got his start with a surprise album shoot for the Hollies. His notoriety grew when he was hired to shoot the Monkees for Tiger Beat. Other projects for the Partridge Family (David Cassidy), Linda Ronstadt (Stone Poneys), and Cream (Eric Clapton) followed. During the '70s, musicians were seeking him out for album covers, as well as hang time (as they still do). They enjoyed the company of a man who was somewhat like them. He could write and play songs, and he enjoyed smoking a little weed. He didn't force them into unnatural poses.

            All of his photos were amazing, but three stood out to me especially.

            * Joni Mitchell and Graham Nash looking so much in love during their tender romance in the late '60s. (Diltz spent a lot of time with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.)

            * An accidental shot of James Taylor leaning on a post in his early days. The shot was used as the cover for his second album, "Sweet Baby James".

            * The cover shot for the Doors' "Morrison Hotel". Diltz took the shot through a window into the lobby of a run-down hotel. But getting the photo wasn't easy. The hotel clerk ordered the band to leave when they began posing on a couch in front of the window. They obeyed but quickly returned (at Diltz's urging) after the employee left the room. The photo is one of the favorite items in his collection.

            What inspires me most about Henry Diltz is that he knew, hung out with, and made art with some of the greatest acts that ever took the rock 'n' roll stage. Yet, he's about as relaxed and charming as anyone you might meet. Don't push too hard, and let things happen naturally. Perhaps that's the answer for those of us who aspire to bless others with our artistic talents.

***

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

            I couldn’t have been more excited about seeing Pattie Boyd. I was not disappointed. Model, actress, first wife of George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Sister-in-law of Mick Fleetwood and photographer extraordinaire.

            Pattie started her presentation by showing us her modeling photos.  She graced the cover of Vogue many times. Pattie explained that in those days the models did their own makeup and had to carry several outfits and wigs.  She noted, “Today they have all of that done for them, and they make an absorbent amount of money."  

Pattie Boyd talks photography at City Winery Nashville (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            One day she went on a modeling interview. Later that day she received a call from her agent saying she got the role in the new Beatles film, "A Hard Day’s Night".  She said at the time, “But I can’t act.” How did I get that?"  Her agent said it was the interview she had gone on earlier in the day.  Pattie went to the wrong interview!   She did take the small part and met the Beatles during her train scene.  George Harrison asked her out.  On their first date, Brian Epstein accompanied them. While dating and later marrying Harrison, she continued to pursue her modeling career.  At the same time, she started taking up photography. George was a natural subject.  We saw lots of wonderful photos of George and Pattie with George. 

            While the Beatles were in Australia, Pattie and her sister Jenny, also a model, went to a Transcendental Meditation meeting  in London. She told George and the other Beatles about her experience when they returned. Paul learned that the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was going to be in London in two weeks. The Maharishi invited the Beatles to visit him in the foothills of the Himalayas. Pattie documented this time in India with stunning photos of the Beatles, their wives, and Donovan.  It was during this time that most of the "White Album" was written. Pattie explained that this was the last time she saw George totally relaxed and at peace.  

            Eric Clapton and George became friends and toured with Delaney and Bonnie. We were treated to lots of great photos of Eric and George. Around this time, George wrote "Something" for Pattie. Eric had a crush on Pattie, who at the time rebuffed his advances. Later, when she and Harrison divorced, she starting dating and later married Clapton, who wrote "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight" for her.   Eventually, Eric and Pattie divorced, but she continued to take photos for magazines and later have exhibitions of her photography shown around the world.

            For more information about the Americana Music Festival, visit www.AmericanaMusic.org.

Americana Music Awards: Seeing Buffy Sainte-Marie Perform on Stage for the First Time

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

            It’s not like me to get places early, yet here I am in my seat and observing.  What could be more Americana than the Ryman Auditorium? The stage is set for the Americana Music Awards. Soon Buddy Miller will be leading the all-star band, and Jim Lauderdale will emcee the show. Tonight I am biased, biased and not ashamed. The girl I have listened to since eighth grade, and that was a long time ago, will accept a lifetime achievement award.  I cannot wait to see her. I had tickets to see her in Philly in the spring, but she canceled. This will be my first time... first times are always unforgettable.  Tonight I will breath a little of the same air as Buffy Sainte-Marie. 

Buffy Sainte Marie speaks at Middle Tennessee State University (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            Robert Randolph kicked, and I do mean kicked off the show with his red steel guitar. He was soon joined by The McCrary Sisters and The Fairfield Four with a hair-raising performance of “Rock My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham”. They brought the house down!

            Highlights of the award show for me were seeing Don Henley graciously accept the Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award.  We were all pleased to hear a cut from his new album, Cass County “Pray for Rain”.  Acts that were new to me were Shakey Graves singing “Dearly Departed”. This guy has a new fan in me.  Rhiannon Giddens (Carolina Chocolate Drops) and Hubby Jenkins gave unforgettable performance mixing roots, blues and operatic styles. I had never heard anything quite like this before. If I had to pick a new favorite, it would be The Lone Bellow. This trio with accompanying horns and strings reminded me of the classic first time performance Ricky Martin gave on the Grammys years ago.  They were that good.

            Keb Mo walked onstage with his guitar slung over his shoulder and told us this would have been BB King’s 90^th birthday. He and Lucille, BB’s guitar, gave a tribute to the last of the great Delta blues men... an incredible tribute and performance.

            Blacklisted by the Johnson and Nixon administrations and here tonight for the Lifetime “Spirit of Americana Free Speech Award”, I rise to my feet as Buffy Sainte-Marie takes the stage.  She explained that her blacklisting was not because of her protest songs but because she was outspoken about the Vietnam War and the outrageous treatment of Native Americans by a government that was still plotting to take their land. Everyone left the stage as she stood alone and performed “Universal Soldier”. I was in tears.

Wil Comstock with Buffy Sainte-Marie (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

***

            From MCAU Editor Chuck Whiting: Buffy Sainte-Marie visited Middle Tennessee State University the following afternoon to speak to students in the College of Entertainment and Media. Here are a few highlights:

            * Write "dumb" (simple) to make your songs understandable to everyone.

            * "Play, play, play... Never turn down a gig."

            * Some students gasped when the youthful Buffy told her audience she is 74 years old. "Age doesn't matter," she told them. "For me, every day is better."

            * Always copyright your work. Buffy lost the publishing for her classic song "Universal Soldier" when she accepted a $1 publishing offer on a napkin by an unscrupulous shark. She later bought the publishing back for $25,000.

            * Despite her success, very few Americans know who Buffy Sainte-Marie is (which makes it easier for her to roam freely in the United States without being recognized).

          To learn more about the Americana Music Festival, visit www.AmericanaMusic.org. Visit Buffy Sainte-Marie's website at www.buffysainte-marie.com. 

Americana Music Festival: Outstanding Music That Cannot Be Pigeonholed

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

            NASHVILLE -- Excitement builds as the early arriving crowd sips wine and munches on snacks waiting for the first big night of the Americana Music Fest.  Long beards, salt and pepper hair, T shirts, and plaids dot the crowd...  All here to celebrate the music that cannot be pigeonholed by the radio programmers.   JD and the Straight Shot have left a copy of their new CD at each of the place settings.  I make a mental note to give them a good review.  : )     

            JD and the Straight Shot kick off the show by telling us they will play through the entire CD they have given us.  “Empty” draws me in with its sweet harmonies and delta blues feel.  I hear a New York accent as JD speaks between songs.  He is flanked by a suburb violinist on stage left and two acoustic guitars on the right, one of which is his son.  All four harmonize.  Behind them the steady and solid sounds of the upright bass player drives the band on.  We are treated to the lighthearted “Glide” and the wonderful Celtic and title cut “Ballyhoo”, my favorite.  “Here He Comes”, a tribute to Johnny Cash, and the sweet “I’ll See You Again” close the set. I have to admit I would give them a good review even if they didn’t give us a CD.  What a pleasant surprise to discover this band.

JD and the Straight Shot (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            Multi-platinum artist and new author Jewel begins her set with an a cappella version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, starting with the seldom-heard introduction.  Wrapping her voice around the lyrics milking the song to soaring heights and gentle nuances. Jewel, wearing short jean cut-offs, white halter-vest top, and a black, lightweight fringe jacket, looking much the same as she did 20 years ago.  She introduced her second song as a sort of love song, which took 20 years to write.  Sounds like the title is “You are Here”, but investigation turns up nothing.   Jewel tells us she and her then husband were camping in the California desert with no radio reception when they started to see “God Bless America” signs.  When they reached civilization, she heard on the radio about the towers falling. The DJ dedicated her song “Hands” to the victims.  A moment she will never forget... a rendition the audience will not forget. Telling us her background: Raised in Alaska on a commune; Mother left when she was eight; Won a scholarship to attend high school in Michigan; Her trip to Mexico where she started to write “Who Will Save Your Soul”.  Closing with her first hit, we were left with no doubt why Jewel is a part of  Americana. 

Jewell (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            Americana icon (songwriter for the some of the Eagles' biggest hits, sometime Eagle himself, actor, and singer) JD Souther entered the stage looking trim, in a grey suit with an open-collar, light grey shirt.  The crowd gives an ovation before he opens his mouth.  JD on guitar accompanied by a sax, upright bass, piano, and rhythm box.  We soon find what excellent players they are. JD opens with the jazz-tinged “Something in the Dark”,  the first release from his new album 'Tenderness'.  We sit mesmerized as he plays “I’ll Be Here at Closing Time”, "New Kid in Town”, and another cut from his new album, “Dance Real Slow”.  JD tells us that his father, who was in a big band, used to play him the next song when he was young.  While playing in San Francisco 20 years ago, JD heard Tony Bennett sing it at the Fairmont Hotel -- a song that now takes on new meaning, “Saving All My Love For You”.  I just shook my head in disbelief knowing this was the best show of the week.   The hits keep coming with “”Prisoner In Disguise”, “Heartache Tonight”, and “Only Lonely”. The audience claps and yells their approval after each song.  Closing, JD says, “We have one more song... this is Americana right? " and leases us with “Oh Lonesome Me”. I slowly emerge from my trance!

JD Souther (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            My friends are tired and leave, but I decide to stay for a couple of songs from the next act Donnie Fritts and John Paul White (a former member of the Civil Wars).  John Paul says he was asked to put together some music for the premier of the film "Muscle Shoals".  He called Donny, to whom he had never met, to ask him to play.  Donny wasn’t a huge fan of the movie (since he and other songwriters were left out), but he did consent to play. This was the beginning of Donny and John Paul’s friendship.  John Paul was blown away by his songs and eventually produced Donny’s upcoming album. They started out with “Errol Flynn”. These guys sound like Levon Helm and the Band. I love them! John Paul took lead vocals on Dusty Springfield’s “Breakfast in Bed”,  a song of Donnie ‘s she recorded for the "Muscle Shoals" sessions. The songs kept getting better with “We Had It All”, recorded by Dobie Grey, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan.  They closed the set with the fun number “Down in Tuscaloosa in 1962, Roll Tide”.  I sure am glad I stayed to hear these guys.

          To learn more about the Americana Music Fest, visit www.AmericanaMusic.org.

Americana Music Festival to Offer Wide Range of Panels and Workshops from Sept. 16-18

     NASHVILLE -- The 2015 Americana Music Festival & Conference, presented by Nissan, offers one of the nation's most comprehensive slate of panels and workshops dedicated to the music business. This is Nashville’s must-attend event to learn and succeed in the music industry today. This year's Music Business Conference will feature more than 60 panels and workshops with approximately 200 experts representing the best and the brightest in the music biz today.  

     Learn more or sign up for the conference/festival at http://www.AmericanaMusic.org. 

A SAMPLING OF PANELS AND WORKSHOPS:

   

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16:

  

SONGS WE LOVE: AMERICANA EDITION

11a.m. – 1p.m.                                    

RCA Grand Victor Studio A • 30 Music Square W.  

Presented by NPR Music  

How do the songs performers treasure most contribute to their own processes? What turns an original composition into an artist's own most treasured possession? This writers round brings together three exceptional artists in a musical discussion of influences absorbed and writerly ambitions realized. Rhiannon Giddens, Patty Griffin, and Shakey Graves reach into the songbag, guitars in hand, to pull out their favorite songs by others, and to reveal which of their own compositions mean the most to them. NPR Music critic and correspondent, Ann Powers, moderates this special Midday event at Nashville's historic Studio A.

(Space is limited.)

  

BAND WEBSITE EXTREME MAKEOVER PART 1: DEMOLITION DERBY

2-3 p.m.

Midtown • Hutton Hotel  

Live critiques of band websites! In this interactive session, musicians submit their websites for review, then each site's design, organization, content, and functionality will be assessed. How does the website fit with the band's overall online strategy? How successfully does it achieve their goals? Reviews will be ruthless and diplomacy left aside, but everyone in attendance will learn how to improve their websites. Plus, one winner will be chosen to have their website redesigned and used for part 2 of this session on how to build an effective website!  

Moderator:  Dave Cool • Director of Artist & Industry Outreach • Bandzoogle

Charles Alexander • CEO & Founder • Outside The Box Music

Jay Coyle • Founder • Geek Music Services

Tommy Stalknecht • Director of Product Development • MCN Interactive

FROM THE SONG TO THE BANK 

4 – 5 p.m.                                            

Hillsboro • Hutton Hotel

This popular annual panel will offer indie musicians, publishers, and serious fans inside knowledge on what makes the music industry tick, especially how it's changed and what to expect in light of digital progress. In addition to straight business talk, we'll add some career coaching/marketing speak to our discussion. Covered topics will include information for: the touring artist, singer songwriter, self-publishers, and those interested in international business deals. What should I be doing to promote myself? What options are available to me - the artist?  

Moderator: Allen Johnston • Executive, Educator, Writer • The Music Specialist

Ashley Hollan • Attorney • Hollan Entertainment Law Group

Alex Mallet • Business Development Manager • Folk Alliance International

Kendall Minter • Attorney • Minter & Associates, L.L.C.

  

14TH ANNUAL AMERICANA HONORS AND AWARDS SHOW

7 p.m. sharp! (6 p.m. doors and please be in your seats by 6:45 as this is a LIVE TV TAPING)

Ryman Auditorium • 116 5th Avenue N.  

Join us at the historically cool Ryman Auditorium as we celebrate the year in music and honor Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. Jim Lauderdale will again serve as master of ceremonies, while Buddy Miller will lead an all-star house band. Among the artists attending are: Buffy Sainte-Marie, Don Henley, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Ricky Skaggs, and Los Lobos.  

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17:

Whose Money Is It?  The Artist and the Music Business Economy

11 a.m. – Noon

Vista B • Hutton Hotel  

This panel addresses the tectonic shift in music and how musicians, creators, and performers get paid. A year ago, this conversation focused on whether musicians should be paid at all – today, the question has turned to how much they get paid. Nonetheless, there is much work to be done to shore up and return the music economy to a state of health. With essential legislation pending before Congress like the Fair Pay Fair Play Act and the Songwriters Equity Act, this is the perfect time for a distinguished panel to weigh in on what’s happening today and what tomorrow looks like.  

Moderator: Nate Rau • Music Business reporter • The Tennessean

Jeffery Boxer • Executive Director and General Counsel • Content Creators Coalition (c3)

Rosanne Cash • Songwriter and Performing Artist

Ted Kalo • Executive Director • musicFIRST Coalition

Julia Massimino, Esq. • Public Policy & Government Affairs • SoundExchange

John McCrae  • Content Creators Coalition (c3) 

Marc Ribot • Recording artist • Board member of Content Creators Coalition (c3)

   

ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL LABEL STRUCTURES FOR INDIE MUSICIANS

2 - 3 p.m.

Hillsboro • Hutton Hotel

  

This panel will examine the complex and constantly evolving array of options that artists have to market their music in the digital age.  The panelists will relate personal experiences in building distribution, marketing, publicity, and promotion teams outside the traditional label system while still pursuing mainstream goals. They will discuss some of the recent successful Americana projects that have achieved success without conventional labels, including releases by Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Whitey Morgan, and St. Paul & the Broken Bones. They will discuss the component parts and timing of a well-planned, well-executed independent release, offering advice to developing artists and managers regarding potential issues and pitfalls when planning such a commercial release.  

Moderator: John Strohm • Attorney • Loeb & Loeb

Paul W Brown • Founder & CEO • Red Hat 22

Jim Flammia • President • All Eyes Media

Arthur Penhallow • Artist Manager • Punch Enterprises

Traci Thomas • Artist Manager • Thirty Tigers

SOUNDEXCHANGE MASTER CLASS

2 – 3 p.m.

Vista A • Hutton Hotel  

Moderator: Linda Bloss-Baum • Sr. Director of Artist and Industry Relations • Soundexchange

Moderator: Barry LeVine • Artist and Label Outreach • Soundexchange

     

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18:

  

"I WANT IT BACK” - TERMINATION OF GRANTS OF COPYRIGHT

9 - 10:30 a.m.

Hillsboro • Hutton Hotel

  

Over the last several years, the opportunity for "termination of transfer" has been cause for celebration, negotiation, and exasperation. The issues are complex and often contentious, as artists, their heirs, publishers, record companies, and other interested parties seek to obtain, retain, and protect their rights. The landscape is further complicated by the diverse rules applied overseas. This panel will explore the basic principles of termination, the use of termination rights as a strategy to renegotiate, and the pitfalls of reclaiming rights without the proper tools to administer them.  

Moderator: Lisa Alter, Esq. • Alter, Kendrick & Baron, LLP

Duff Berschback, Esq. • Senior Vice President • Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Richard Busch, Esq. • King & Ballow Law

Dennis Lord, Esq. • Executive Vice President • SESAC

Denise Stevens, Esq. • Loeb & Loeb LLP

COGNITIVE CONSONANCE: MUSIC AND NEUROSCIENCE IN NASHVILLE

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Midtown • Hutton Hotel

The 2014 AMA panel on Music, Mental Health and the Frontiers of Brain Research was a hit, so we’ve expanded on the topic to explore how this wide and rapidly expanding area of science is being pursued right here in Music City. We’ll look at high points on the continuum of research from the micro to the macro. You will come away with a picture of how (and how fast) basic science about the brain is filtering up and out to applied uses in the real world, including development, education, psychology, and mental illness. Panelists are working on or are aware of work being done to ameliorate autism, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, and other disabilities with music or with insights provided by the exciting field of music perception and cognition.  

Moderator: Craig Havighurst • Journalist • Music City Roots

Nicole Baganz, Ph.D. • Postdoctoral Fellow • Vanderbilt Univerisity

Marianne Ploger • Associate Professor of Music Perception and Cognition • Blair School of Music • Vanderbilt University

Mark Wallace, Ph.D. • Postdoctoral Fellow • Vanderbilt University

  

MUSIC LICENSING FOR FILM AND TELEVISION

1:45 - 3:15 p.m.                                  

Hillsboro • Hutton Hotel

  

Having a song in a feature film, television series, or Internet program, whether it's a preexisting work and/or sound recording or a new song specifically written for the project, can result in great opportunities as well as substantial fees and royalties. At one time, these deals were straightforward with little to negotiate. In today's world, complexity reigns whether it's a major studio film, a documentary, a student film, a cable reality show or a network hit television series, or live in concert performances.  This panel will discuss the deals, the fees and the backend royalties involved in licensing pre-existing songs, sound recordings and new songs for film and television and current trends in the live in concert program platforms. Areas covered include film festival licenses, streaming royalties on Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, overseas theatrical royalties, soundtrack guarantees, hit songs, trailers, work for hire contracts, option agreements for music centric shows, ASCAP, BMI and SESAC performance royalties, cue sheets, screen credit, step deals, Oscar and Golden Globe nominations and more.  

Moderator: Henry W. Root, Esq. • Partner • Lapidus, Root & Sacharow, LLP

Jeffrey Brabec, Esq. • Vice President, Business Affairs • BMG Chrysalis • Co-Author “Music Money and Success”

Todd Brabec, Esq. • Former ASCAP Executive Vice President • Co-Author “Music Money and Success”

  

MANAGE THIS!

3:30 – 5 p.m.

Hillsboro • Hutton Hotel

As the 21st century music industry continues to evolve, the role of the manager has become increasingly important and complex. This panel will discuss current issues in artist management, including the terms of management agreements, best practices in identifying and securing appropriate management, the shifting role of the manager as label involvement decreases and artist development becomes a "DIY" business, and cautionary tales about "what not to do."  The discussion will feature current managers, as well as attorneys representing talent and management companies.  

Moderator:  Judy Tint, Esq. • Judy Tint, Counselor At Law

John Beiter, Esq. • Shackelford, Bowen, Zumwalt & Hayes, LLP

Hillel Frankel, Esq. • Leavens, Strand & Glover, LLC

Anasa Troutman • CEO • Eloveate

TERRESTRIAL RADIO - STAYING RELEVANT IN A STREAMING WORLD

4 – 5 p.m.

Midtown • Hutton Hotel

  

Have rumors of the death of radio been greatly exaggerated? We will hear from veteran terrestrial programmers on how they maintain and gain new listeners despite ever increasing competition from Internet streaming services. Topics will include: using new media to enhance the old media, keeping on-air content compelling, and other tools of the terrestrial radio trade that make terrestrial radio as vibrant as the day Marconi first spoke into a microphone.   

Moderator:  Brad Paul • Brad Paul Media

Nelson Gullett  • WDVX 

Mike Henry • Paragon

Gary Kraen • WRLT

John McGue • WNKU

Jim McGuinn • KCMP

Jessie Scott • Sun Radio Network