|
International Country Music Association Newsletter, April 2002
On The Web At: www.radiocountry.org
Email: intlcma@aol.com
POB 292937, Nashville, TN 37229
Scarlett Vanek, Publisher
Bobbie Patterson, Editor
Rhett Ashley, Music Reviews
Dale Roberts, Research Assistant
**************************************************
Free Music and Tax Advice From An Expert
We received the following email from Music and Taxes, Inc. It offers a free service to our readers and members.
Hi,
It is income tax season and many musicians, artists, etc., are filling out their income tax returns, as we speak, and finding a serious tax bill due IRS which they do not understand. Please get an update out by e-mail and let your folks know they can send an e-mail to me at www.musicandtaxes.com and I'll be glad to give tax tips online while they are filing this year's return. This is a service to your ICMA folks only. It could be valuable between now and April 15.
Best wishes,
Minette, Music and Taxes,Inc., Pensacola, Fl.
**************************************************
The Following DJs Want Your Music
Barry Gower, Post Office Box 628, Port Adalaide, SA, Australia.
Markus Hintikka, Poste Restante, 94700 Kemi, Finland
Rein Wortelboer, Akelei 10, 5803 CA Venray, The Netherlands
Johnny Nielsen, Marievej 24, DK 5700 Svenborg, Denmark
Hank Svennson, POB 53, S 240 30 Marieholm, Sweden
Job Gathemia (Gospel Only) Box 49256, Nairobi, Kenya
Big Al Field, POB 884, Nowra, NSW 2541, Australia
Lee Williams, 17 Meadow Lane, Hartley Wintney, Hants, RG27 8RF, England
Geoff Roberts, POB 6574, Toowoomba West, QLD 4350, Australia
Trudy Burke, POB 1011, St Albans, Vic 3021, Australia
**************************************************
Song Contest Winners Announced
These are the first place winners, in our second and final song contest. The Board Of Directors has canceled future contests to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest. They were fun and we received several very good entries in each category. We extend our thanks to all those who sent their songs and lyrics.
First Place Country Song winner was, "All That Remains," written by, Jesse Skags of Illinois. Jesse is 31 years old and in the real world works as a legal secretary.
First Place Country Lyric winner was, "Rainbows and Rain," written by Marvin Holmes of Missouri. In the real world, Marvin drives a big rig on long haul runs.
First Place Gospel Song winner was, "Holy Ground," written by A. C. Abernathy of New Mexico. A. C. owns a small business.
First Place Gospel Lyric winner was, "To Jesus, With Love," written by Rose Demeterius of Florida. Rose is retired and loving every minute of it.
**************************************************
Do You Want To Tour In Europe?
These are the folks that can make it happen.
Nordic Country Music Organization, Hank Svennson, POB 53, Marieholm, Sweden
Old String House Music, Obere Kreienbrede 7, D 32051 Herford, Germany
**************************************************
How The Business Works
Talent is a plus and money is always nice to have. However; having both talent and money will not create success for you. The lack of either will create problems, but will not prevent success. We all know at least one very talented person who can't get anything going. We have all heard stories of people spending tons of money and getting nowhere. Tiny Tim couldn't sing, but had a hit record and a very successful career. Elvis was born poor white trash, but he's still "The King." What created success for Tiny Tim and Elvis? How did a very untalented singer and a very poor boy from Tupelo, MS, achieve success? I can give you a quick two-word answer, "personal contacts." Elvis established personal contact with Sam Phillips and Colonel Tom Parker. One of Tiny Tim's personal contacts introduced him to Johnny Carson. When Tiny Tim met the guy, he had no way of knowing it would lead to personal appearances on the "Tonight Show." When Elvis met Sam Phillips, Sun Records was just another independent record company. When he met Colonel Tom Parker, the Colonel was an unknown promoter with big ideas. The entertainment industry is the most fluid industry on the planet. Yesterday's big shot is today's unemployed bum. Today's unknown singer is tomorrow's superstar. Everybody knows these things, but few people think them through. Everybody sees these principles at work, but few people put them to work. Have you ever seen a help-wanted ad where some superstar was looking for a backup singer or band member? I never have and I read the Nashville newspaper regularly. Have you ever seen an ad where some superstar was looking for a song to record? How do superstars find backup vocalists, band members, and songs to record? Through personal contact. They tell the people around them what they need. Those people recommend their personal contacts. Without a friend inside, you'll never even know an audition is being held. Personal contact is the grease that keeps this business moving. Without personal contacts, you don't have a prayer in this business. Don't fall into the trap most people fall into, Thinking somebody has to be important to be worth knowing has prevented more success than lack of talent and lack of money combined. This is a very fluid industry. The guy on the bottom today may be on top tomorrow. The big shot you spent so much time contacting, may be out of work tomorrow. When you develop a strong personal contact, you have access to all of their personal contacts. Good networking habits are the creator of success. Bad networking habits, will doom you to failure. Do you have all the industry contacts you need? Why do we keep writing about Ambassador Charlie Ray's Nashville Music Festival? Why do we say it is the most important music event of the year? Because, you can meet more music people in three days than you will anywhere else in three years. Last year, music people from seven countries and 49 states attended. This year, it will be even bigger. It is not a fan event, it is a music industry event. Everyone can't expect to find record companies willing to financially invest in them, but everyone can expect to go home with new friends and knowledge. Can you afford to miss this event? Visit
www.nashvillemusicfestival.com for more information.
**************************************************
Hotels Offering Discounts
The following hotels are about a block from the festival grounds. They are offering discounts to people attending the festival. You must tell them you will be attending the festival and you must request the discount.
Holiday Inn Express 615-883-1366 ($69 per night)
Super 8 Motel 615-889-8887 ($45 per night)
**************************************************
Get a Free Listing In Our International Country Music Yellow Pages
We are building the ultimate country music source book. It will work similar to the way the yellow pages work, only devoted to country music people and companies around the world. No matter where you live, sign up for your free listing. No matter what you do in country music, you want other country music people to be able to contact you. It's quick and easy. Just go to
www.radiocountry.org, click on the Source Book link, and fill out the form.
**************************************************
Bill Farrar To Lead A Seminar
Bill was a studio musician for Sun Records, Hi Records, and Play Me Records, all of which were dominant record companies in the 1950s and 60's. He toured with Gene Simmons (Haunted House) and several other major groups. He played dates with Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Bo Diddly. He recorded with Blues legends such as Sir Latimore Brown, Mighty Joe Young, and Afro Soul Review. In the 1970s he moved to Nashville. Since moving to Nashville, Bill has been a highly sought after musician. He's played on more than 70 album projects. He's worked with Razzy Bailey, Billy Walker, Billy Grammer, Jan Howard, Connie Smith and many other country music stars. Bill will be leading a seminar entitled, "So You Made A Record, Now What?"
Other Music Industry Pros Doing Seminars The Festival
Ed Turnley, Nashville music row attorney, will conduct a one hour seminar entitled "Songwriting & The Law." Ed is highly regarded in both Nashville's music industry and the legal community. If you write songs, don't miss his seminar.
Minette Streeter conducted a very informative seminar at last year's festival. Her topic was: deducting your music expenses from your federal income taxes. This year her seminar will be twice as long and twice as informative. She will have Norman Gillis with her. Mr. Gillis is the attorney who represents Brooks and Dunn. He will be willing to answer questions.
Colonel Buster Doss will conduct a seminar entitled "So You Want To Be A Star." Buster has an unmatched background in entertainment. He was a star of western movies as Bronco Buck Cody. He was on the Louisiana Hayride with Hank Williams, Sr. He has toured the country as a magician, a circus owner, a singer, and a concert promoter. He currently serves on the boards of directors of several country music organizations and runs Stardust Records. During his 50 plus years in the entertainment industry, he has forgotten more than most people know. Mark this down as a must see seminar.
Celine Bosch is the founder and President of Women In Music, Music In Women. She manages acts from as far away as Poland. Her seminar entitled, "The Grassroots Approach to Promotion," is sure to be a winner.
Rein Wortelboer has been a disc jockey in the Netherlands for more years than most of you have been singing. He understands the European country music market inside out. He will conduct a seminar entitled "Country Music Radio In Europe." He did a similar seminar at last year's festival. Fifteen European nations are united as the European Union. Their combined 350 million people make it a bigger market than the United States. If you're serious about your career, you cannot ignore the European Union. You need to hear what Rein has to say. His wife, Els Wortelboer, distributes country music in both Holland and Belgium. Be sure you meet her as well.
Darryl Harrellson, former President of the California CMA, studio owner, record company owner, musician, soundman, and manager will conduct a seminar entitled "Getting Ready For The Big Time." Darryl is a legend on the West coast and well known across the nation. He'll be passing on a great deal of hard-learned knowledge. If you want to move ahead quickly and avoid pitfalls, catch his seminar.
Colonel Keith Bradford spent 16 years on the road as Kitty Wells' opening act. He toured with Freddie Hart when Freddie was CMA Entertainer Of The Year. He will conduct a seminar entitled "Introduction To The Nashville Number System." Nashville studio musicians and those touring with country music stars do not use sheet music. The Nashville Number System is faster to learn and delivers better results. You need to know about this. To find out more about this event visit
www.nashvillemusicfestival.com. **************************************************
Nashville On Stage Moves to New Location
Nashville On Stage is a weekly show which features unsigned artists. For more details, call Debbie Simms at 615-367-2803 or visit www.nashvilleonstage.com.
**************************************************
First Annual Tennessee CMA Talent Competition Successful
The board of directors did a wonderful job. The show was attended by about 400 people. The three day event ran very smoothly. A lot of good talent competed. Among the donated items given away as door prizes were a Dale Earnhart racing jacket, a Charlie Daniels' stage shirt, and a new washer and dryer. The washer and dryer were won by a couple who had no way to transport them. They had no problem finding a buyer from the Nashville area. Music industry people such as Ambassador Charlie Ray, Bruce Goodwin (MMT Music, Florida), Colonel Jason Hawkins (Airplay International, Nashville), Colonel Bobbie Patterson (our editor), Morris Hash (Virginia Gospel Music Association), Ernie and Debbie Simms (Nashville On Stage), and several others attended. Mike, the soundman, deserves a lot of praise. He did a difficult job very well.
**************************************************
Have You Had Enough Airplay To Be Certified Gold?
If your music has received a lot of radio play, it might have earned enough airplay points to be certified gold. Email "Airplay International" magazine and ask them to tabulate your points. You might be pleasantly surprised.
airplayint@aol.com
**************************************************
Americana Continues Growth
"Country Weekly" & This Week in Americana have created a joint venture. "Country Weekly" magazine and the internationally syndicated radio show, have joined forces to create a partnership. Each issue of "Country Weekly" will feature a section entitled, "This Week in Americana." It will spotlight the special guests appearing on the program and news of the Americana music scene.
www.americana-music.com
**************************************************
Music Reviews by Rhett Ashley
We do not publish reviews of music which earns less than a three star rating. To avoid embarrassing anybody, we contact those people and privately offer our best advice. If you would like your music reviewed, please mail it to International Country Music Reviews, POB 292937, Nashville, TN 37229.
Florida, Kenny McLaughlin, "Kenny McLaughlin," 7 sides, Smooth as silk vocals and clean production. 4 Stars
New York, The Mary Lamont Band, "You Don't Have To Knock," 11 sides, She confirms the rumor. They really do have good country music in NYC. 4 1/2 Stars
West Virginia, Randy Jones, "Nashville Sessions," 8 sides, He delivers a country song with more conviction than a habitual offender. 4 Stars
Georgia, Charles Miller, "Arrived," 2 sides, Quality songs and quality production combined with a quality voice. 4 Stars
Ohio, Alice Jean, "Shades Of Blue," 11 sides, Her soulful vocals make you want to dance with your partner in front of the fireplace. 4 Stars
Kentucky, Annette Shearer, "Annette Shearer," 11 sides, Most men are suckers for a lady with a husky voice. I am too. 4 1/2 Stars
Nevada, Gunter Nezhoda, "The James Quill Smith Band," 10 sides, The raw edge of his unrefined vocals rivets your attention. 4 Stars
California, John Emery, "Cut," 5 sides, He's already where country music is going. 4 1/2 Stars
Nashville, Billy Cllifton, "Everybody But Me," 10 sides, When he sings a ballad, he'll stop you in your tracks. 4 Stars
Hawaii, Glenn Erickson, "Living In Autumn," 12 sides, He's a smooth as Jim Reeves and as clear as Ray Price. 4 Stars
Pennsylvania, Jack Hunter, "Basement Tapes," Urban country, he wrote, produced it, and sung it. 4 Stars
Australia, E-Buskers, "Secret Men's Business," 10 sides, Simple production highlights excellent songs and vocals. 4 1/2 Stars
United Kingdom, Steve Payne, "Steve Payne," 6 sides, Steve has worked with BB King, Bob Dylan, Dr. John, and others. This album explains why. 4 1/2 Stars
California, The Jenny Kerr Band, "Itch," 8 sides, A mixture of styles the unifying theme is Jenny's powerful vocals. 5 Stars
Texas, Ty Phillips, "Ty Phillips," 10 sides, Ty is the latest in a long line of great singers, who call East Texas home. 4 1/2 Stars
California, William Kimble, "William Kimble," 2 sides, His country roots show in his real country vocals. 4 Stars
Arkansas, Bobby J. Doway, "Bury Me At Walmart," 10 sides "Found My Gal At The Super Walmart," 10 sides, Bluegrass with a twist of humor. 4 1/2 Stars
Maryland, Franklin Taggart, "Falling All The Way," 14 sides, This album has became an office favorite. 4 1/2 Stars
Missouri, Wade Richardson, "Hang On For The Ride," 11 sides, Wade has the look, style, and talent to be a star. The only thing missing is effective promotion. 5 Stars
Canada, Dan McVeigh, "Love and Bridges," 15 sides, If we ever have a Canadian music invasion, Dan will be in the first wave. 4 1/2 Stars
North Carolina, Harold Morton, "Best Of Harold Morton," 10 sides, Real mountain bluegrass at its finest. 5 Stars
Australia, Cyndi Boste, "Push Comes To Shove," 11 sides, I thought Tania Kerrigan was the best Aussie female singer until I heard Cyndi Boste. 5 Stars
Florida, Bruce Yarock, "Miles Away," 22 sides, Some country, some rock, some techno, even some jazz and all are fun to hear. 4 Stars
Florida, Bruce Yarock, "Jihad Rock," 6 sides, Comedy songs poke fun at the terrorists and prove Americans still have our sense of humor. 5 Stars
Nevada, The Souths, "Somewhere To Go," 10 sides, Singers this good deserve a better production. 3 Stars
South Carolina, Carla Ulbrich, "Carla Ulbrich, Her Fabulous Debut," 12 sides, Funny, talented, and attractive; you can't say nuthin' bad 'bout a girl like that. 4 Stars
Pennsylvania, Greg Salmieri, "Elizabeth's Visits," Good guitar, vocals, and songs, production a little weak. 3 1/2 Stars
Ohio, Betty Johnson, "Are We Making Love Or Just Another Memory?," 4 sides, It's pure country by a true country lady. 4 Stars
Canada, Ralph White, "Remembering Hank," 11 sides, Country twang from top to bottom, it's good stuff. 4 Stars
California, Rick Robledo, "Lost In The Shuffle," 10 sides "Back In The Swing Of Things," 10 sides, Only Bob Wills did it better. 5 Stars
California, Gary Rex Tanner, "Feel The Heat," 11 sides, Mississippi Delta Blues in the Lightning Hopkins tradition, as good as it gets. 5 Stars
Australia, Greg Champion, "Shady Tree," 13 sides It's somewhere between bluegrass and folk. I just call it first rate. 5 Stars
Oklahoma, Roy Anderson, "Real Country," 2 sides, Top notch songs and clean demo production. 4 Stars
Hawaii, Felicia Orian, "Felicia Orian," 7 sides, Great vocals, good songs, production, and mix. 4 1/2 Stars
Pennsylvania, Kevin Morgan, "Live At The Funkhouse," 12 sides, Good songs, fine vocals, and acceptable production. 4 Stars
Arkansas, Mulehead, "Rocket Surgery," 13 sides, Roots country almost as good as it gets. 4 1/2 Stars
Colorado, Kimberly Jane, "Kimberly Jane," 11 sides, She from a long line of good entertainers and it shows. 4 1/2 Stars
Ohio, Rochelle Summers, "Right As Rain," 10 sides, This country blues album shows the lady's Mississippi roots. 4 Stars
Maryland, Roger Campbell, "Songs and Music By Roger Campbell," 14 sides, First rate story songs and haunting vocals. 4 1/2 Stars
New York, Dennis and Marsha Mayes, "Travelin' Time" 2 sides Top drawer truck driver songs written and sung by a trucker and his wife. 4 Stars
Canada, Tammy Fassaert, "Corner Of My Eye," 12 sides, Bluegrass, honest, simple, clean, with and without gimmicks. 4 1/2 Stars
Nashville, John Arthur Martinez, "Stand Your Ground," Outstanding fiddle work complements fine vocals. 4 Stars
Texas, Texas Roadrunners, "Texas Roadrunners," Good country rock done the way Texas does everything, big and bold. 4 Stars
North Carolina, Graylen Cook, "All Mine," 13 sides, Good vocals and songs, but production, mix, and mastering are a little weak. 3 1/2 Stars
Texas, Texas Medicine Band, "River Bolt Of Lightning," The potential for greatness was there, but they lost it in the studio. 3 Stars
**************************************************
|