Today, the company also announced the content line-up for SIRIUS XM’s new “Best of Both” programming options. As part of “Best of Both” programming, most current XM customers will continue to receive their existing XM service, and be able to obtain select SIRIUS programming. Likewise, most current SIRIUS customers will continue to receive their existing SIRIUS service and be able to obtain select XM programming. In addition to their existing service, SIRIUS and XM subscribers will be able to purchase the following channels:
SIRIUS on XM
Howard 100
Howard 101
Martha Stewart Living Radio
SIRIUS NFL Radio *
SIRIUS NASCAR Radio
Playboy Radio
XM on SIRIUS
NBA*
NHL Home Ice *
Oprah & Friends
The Virus
Public Radio with Bob Edwards
College Sports *
PGA Tour
* Sports offerings will also include channels for play-by-play of NBA, NHL, NFL, and College Sports games.
“Best of Both” programming will be available to satellite radio consumers beginning October 6, 2008 on most existing satellite radios at a monthly [total] cost of $16.99. Also, the company’s full slate of new packages will be available to consumers on Oct. 6, including the opportunity to choose programming on an a la carte basis for the first time ever in subscription media.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Monday, September 08, 2008
Country Music's Next Power Couple?
September 8, 2008 (Nashville, TN) The diehard fans of Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton were eager to hear the whispers, then shouts, through the country halls about a select few shows this summer where the power-duo performed together. An “experiment” at first – for the twosome it meant a guaranteed way to spend time together performing the music they love – much in tradition of Johnny & June and George & Tammy. Fans across the country responded, asked for more, and this October 3, they will deliver as they embark on their first ever co-headlining tour.
"For obvious reasons, Miranda and I have wanted to tour together for a while now. We wanted to do something special that nobody else can pull off,” Blake remarked. “The result is a unique show packed full of music and energy that will leave people wondering what the hell is going to happen next.”
The upcoming concert dates will feature special seamless shows with each artist’s band providing accompaniment. Miranda will take fans from the early days of “Me & Charlie Talking” to the fist pumping “Gunpowder & Lead” while Blake fans can expect the gamut from his number one singles, “Austin,” “The Baby,” “Some Beach,” and “Home” to the rowdy “The More I Drink” and fan favorite “Ol’ Red.” An intimate acoustic set by Blake and Miranda will be nestled in-between and each show will conclude as both artists and their bands reunite on-stage for the show’s energetic finale. Sure to be a highlight of each evening will be a live rendition of Blake’s number one single, “Home,” which features Miranda’s soulful vocals. And don’t think for one second the duo won’t throw in some left-of-center covers, witty stage banter and maybe even a few more curveballs.
"I've always thought that Blake is one of the greatest artists in country music and he brings such a dynamic presence to his performances,” Miranda professed. “Pairing up for these shows will not only be fun for us, but I think it's going to be an amazing show for the fans. Anytime you play with a great artist it makes you strive to be even better...and we will do that every night."
The couple’s tour will support Miranda’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the ACM’s reigning Album of the Year, and Blake’s Pure BS Deluxe album.
Miranda just released her latest single “More Like Her” which is currently at radio across the country and Garden and Gun Magazine made her their Sept/Oct cover girl. For more Miranda be sure to tune in tonight for the CMA Music Festival Special 2008 at 9 p.m. Eastern / 8 p.m Central on ABC.
Blake’s current single, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” is the lead from his upcoming studio album due in early 2009 and is the follow-up to his most recent number one hit, “Home.”
Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert On Tour*
Date City Venue On Sale
October 3 Richmond, VA Virginia State Fair Now
October 10 Cape Girardeau, MO Show Me Center 9/6
October 11 Pikeville, KY Eastern Kentucky Expo Center 9/13
October 17 Phoenix, AZ Arizona State Fair 9/6
October 18 Primm, NV Star of the Valley Resort & Casino 9/23
October 23 Waterloo, IA McElroy Auditorium 9/27
October 24 Lacrosse, WI Lacrosse Center 9/27
November 8 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center 10/4
*more dates to be added soon
"For obvious reasons, Miranda and I have wanted to tour together for a while now. We wanted to do something special that nobody else can pull off,” Blake remarked. “The result is a unique show packed full of music and energy that will leave people wondering what the hell is going to happen next.”
The upcoming concert dates will feature special seamless shows with each artist’s band providing accompaniment. Miranda will take fans from the early days of “Me & Charlie Talking” to the fist pumping “Gunpowder & Lead” while Blake fans can expect the gamut from his number one singles, “Austin,” “The Baby,” “Some Beach,” and “Home” to the rowdy “The More I Drink” and fan favorite “Ol’ Red.” An intimate acoustic set by Blake and Miranda will be nestled in-between and each show will conclude as both artists and their bands reunite on-stage for the show’s energetic finale. Sure to be a highlight of each evening will be a live rendition of Blake’s number one single, “Home,” which features Miranda’s soulful vocals. And don’t think for one second the duo won’t throw in some left-of-center covers, witty stage banter and maybe even a few more curveballs.
"I've always thought that Blake is one of the greatest artists in country music and he brings such a dynamic presence to his performances,” Miranda professed. “Pairing up for these shows will not only be fun for us, but I think it's going to be an amazing show for the fans. Anytime you play with a great artist it makes you strive to be even better...and we will do that every night."
The couple’s tour will support Miranda’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the ACM’s reigning Album of the Year, and Blake’s Pure BS Deluxe album.
Miranda just released her latest single “More Like Her” which is currently at radio across the country and Garden and Gun Magazine made her their Sept/Oct cover girl. For more Miranda be sure to tune in tonight for the CMA Music Festival Special 2008 at 9 p.m. Eastern / 8 p.m Central on ABC.
Blake’s current single, “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” is the lead from his upcoming studio album due in early 2009 and is the follow-up to his most recent number one hit, “Home.”
Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert On Tour*
Date City Venue On Sale
October 3 Richmond, VA Virginia State Fair Now
October 10 Cape Girardeau, MO Show Me Center 9/6
October 11 Pikeville, KY Eastern Kentucky Expo Center 9/13
October 17 Phoenix, AZ Arizona State Fair 9/6
October 18 Primm, NV Star of the Valley Resort & Casino 9/23
October 23 Waterloo, IA McElroy Auditorium 9/27
October 24 Lacrosse, WI Lacrosse Center 9/27
November 8 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center 10/4
*more dates to be added soon
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Blogging From Grundy County
Well I went down to the Grundy County Auction
Where I saw something I just had to have
Ok, technically I am not still in Grundy County. But I did spend the weekend there. (No time to blog while I was there.) And every time I thought about it, that song went through my head.
My life IS a country song.
What did you do this weekend? Did you listen to the Jessica Simpson ShortCuts?
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
It's flying by my window!Tuesday, September 02, 2008
And Her Little Dog Too!
Columbia Nashville recording artist Jessica Simpson spent time in the new XM Nashville Headquarters recently to tape the XM World Premiere of her forthcoming country album Do You Know. The exclusive conversation between Simpson and XM’s Jon Anthony will air this weekend on Highway 16 ShortCuts, which features all eleven songs on the CD.
Topics covered during the extensive interview range from what she found to be the hardest thing to deal with when she came to Nashville to write, her charity work, her USO tours, and how Dolly Parton came through for her during a very tough time.
The first airing of Highway 16 ShortCuts is this Friday at 2pm ET on XM’s Highway 16, XM Radio Online and DirecTV Channel 814.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
What would you take?
Imagine you turned on the television and your mayor was telling you to "get your butt out" of town. You had a few hours to pack up 2 suitcases worth of stuff and get on a plane. What would you take?
I walked into church this morning and my heart just broke. Our church is one of 3 in Nashville that was a Red Cross shelter for Gustov evacuees - and they sent us 2 more busloads than we had capacity to house. People were laying in the hallways, kids sleeping on suitcases, it was wall to wall people. They'd traveled all night and arrived in the early hours of the morning.
Fortunately the overflow was soon loaded back up and bussed out to MTSU. But there are about 200 people who now call our gymansium "home." They have no idea how long they will be there. They packed 3 or 4 days worth of clothes. And by mid afternoon they were bored silly.
So we went home and gathered up a bunch of board games, old magazines, construction paper and crayons. My daughter and I made a Dollar General run and bought some crossword puzzle books and word searches. We returned to the church and set up a kids area with videos and just listened to people tell their stories.
I'm blessed to be part of an amazing church that just opens their doors and takes care of people. From ESL classes to JFON clinics to housing for traveling youth groups, our congregation truly does live out the United Methodist slogan of "Open Minds. Open Hearts. Open Doors." But no matter how many people we had up there working to feed, clothe, and clean our guests, no one could give them what they really needed. We couldn't tell them where their friends and family were. We didn't know who had gotten out and who had stayed behind. We couldn't give them the comfort that everything and everyone was going to be ok back home.
So we wait. And while we wait we listen, we play, we encourage and we pray.
I walked into church this morning and my heart just broke. Our church is one of 3 in Nashville that was a Red Cross shelter for Gustov evacuees - and they sent us 2 more busloads than we had capacity to house. People were laying in the hallways, kids sleeping on suitcases, it was wall to wall people. They'd traveled all night and arrived in the early hours of the morning.
Fortunately the overflow was soon loaded back up and bussed out to MTSU. But there are about 200 people who now call our gymansium "home." They have no idea how long they will be there. They packed 3 or 4 days worth of clothes. And by mid afternoon they were bored silly.
So we went home and gathered up a bunch of board games, old magazines, construction paper and crayons. My daughter and I made a Dollar General run and bought some crossword puzzle books and word searches. We returned to the church and set up a kids area with videos and just listened to people tell their stories.
I'm blessed to be part of an amazing church that just opens their doors and takes care of people. From ESL classes to JFON clinics to housing for traveling youth groups, our congregation truly does live out the United Methodist slogan of "Open Minds. Open Hearts. Open Doors." But no matter how many people we had up there working to feed, clothe, and clean our guests, no one could give them what they really needed. We couldn't tell them where their friends and family were. We didn't know who had gotten out and who had stayed behind. We couldn't give them the comfort that everything and everyone was going to be ok back home.
So we wait. And while we wait we listen, we play, we encourage and we pray.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Mixing Music and Politics
One kid dreams of fame and fortune
One kid helps pay the rent
One could end up going to prison
One just might be president
In response to the Democratic Convention’s use last night of Brooks & Dunn’s song, “Only in America,” the duo’s Kix Brooks offered the following statement:
“Seems ironic that the same song Bush used at The Republican Convention last election would be used by Obama and the Democrats now. Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans.”
Kix Brooks - Brooks & Dunn
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Protecting The Guilty - Including Me!
I have to tell you about the lunch I was invited to today. But in the interest of Protecting the Guilty, who really was mostly innocent, I'm not going to name names.
First off, I wasn't actually invited. One of my co-workers was, and I thought I was going in their place, but they went too. So really, I had no business being there. Ok. I crashed it. (Does it count as crashing if you call ahead and tell them you're crashing? I have no idea.)
Anyway. So lunch was at a very nice Italian restaurant. I don't usually do italian... but a free lunch is a free lunch when you're broke and awaiting to get downsized. So I'm not complaining. It was a media lunch, for an artist who's been off the radar for a while, and is now back on the scene with an Indy record deal. Lunch, an acoustic performance, and a round robin.
Well this lunch took FOREVER. AND EVER. (AMEN? - And no, it wasn't with Randy Travis.) We were there 40 minutes before we even ordered. And then it took light years to get our first course. Seriously, we got there at noon and didn't get dessert until 1:45. We had one waiter taking care of about 18-20 of us. And apparently, they had to grow the lettuce.
So during all this down time, you would think the artist would be making the most of it... shaking hands, kissing babies, talking to the assembled media. No. They were sitting at a corner table with their back to us, talking to their band members. Why were we there again? Oh yeah. Free lunch.
Now, I really like this particular artist. Which is why I'm not mentioning their name. And the people working with this artist are also very nice people. Just the fact that they thought to provide us lunch, unlike many other folks who schedule Round Robins right over the lunch hour with not even so much as a bottle of water, gives them bonus points. But there were definitely some things that could have been executed better. (Yes, I backseat produce EVERYTHING!) And I would never give this restaurant my business again.
To add insult to injury, the restaurant was nearly dead empty except for us. Can't imagine why. ..
We wound up having to leave before the Round Robin to get back to the studio for another session. So I crashed the event and didn't even get good audio out of it. That will teach me!
Believe it or not, that was not the most interesting part of my day...
Back in the office that afternoon, my cell phone rang. It was someone pitching me an interview with a brand new artist I've never heard of before. We had a lengthy, informative conversation about the process for getting artists booked on Highway 16. And as all conversations do these days, it made its way around to the merger. He was very kind, asking if my job would be ok (don't know), when I'd know (fairly soon), how the channels would be affected (can't speak to that either), and whether the Sirius folks would be moving into our new facilities (yes). As others have, he gave me best wishes, told me I did great work, he's enjoyed calling on me all these years and was sure I'd be fine because the cream always rises to the top. Told me to let him know if I needed anything. It was a lovely conversation, not unlike others I seem to be having about once a day these days. Except for one problem...
I have absolutely no idea who this person is, nor do I have any recollection of having talked to him before in my whole entire life.
First off, I wasn't actually invited. One of my co-workers was, and I thought I was going in their place, but they went too. So really, I had no business being there. Ok. I crashed it. (Does it count as crashing if you call ahead and tell them you're crashing? I have no idea.)
Anyway. So lunch was at a very nice Italian restaurant. I don't usually do italian... but a free lunch is a free lunch when you're broke and awaiting to get downsized. So I'm not complaining. It was a media lunch, for an artist who's been off the radar for a while, and is now back on the scene with an Indy record deal. Lunch, an acoustic performance, and a round robin.
Well this lunch took FOREVER. AND EVER. (AMEN? - And no, it wasn't with Randy Travis.) We were there 40 minutes before we even ordered. And then it took light years to get our first course. Seriously, we got there at noon and didn't get dessert until 1:45. We had one waiter taking care of about 18-20 of us. And apparently, they had to grow the lettuce.
So during all this down time, you would think the artist would be making the most of it... shaking hands, kissing babies, talking to the assembled media. No. They were sitting at a corner table with their back to us, talking to their band members. Why were we there again? Oh yeah. Free lunch.
Now, I really like this particular artist. Which is why I'm not mentioning their name. And the people working with this artist are also very nice people. Just the fact that they thought to provide us lunch, unlike many other folks who schedule Round Robins right over the lunch hour with not even so much as a bottle of water, gives them bonus points. But there were definitely some things that could have been executed better. (Yes, I backseat produce EVERYTHING!) And I would never give this restaurant my business again.
To add insult to injury, the restaurant was nearly dead empty except for us. Can't imagine why. ..
We wound up having to leave before the Round Robin to get back to the studio for another session. So I crashed the event and didn't even get good audio out of it. That will teach me!
Believe it or not, that was not the most interesting part of my day...
Back in the office that afternoon, my cell phone rang. It was someone pitching me an interview with a brand new artist I've never heard of before. We had a lengthy, informative conversation about the process for getting artists booked on Highway 16. And as all conversations do these days, it made its way around to the merger. He was very kind, asking if my job would be ok (don't know), when I'd know (fairly soon), how the channels would be affected (can't speak to that either), and whether the Sirius folks would be moving into our new facilities (yes). As others have, he gave me best wishes, told me I did great work, he's enjoyed calling on me all these years and was sure I'd be fine because the cream always rises to the top. Told me to let him know if I needed anything. It was a lovely conversation, not unlike others I seem to be having about once a day these days. Except for one problem...
I have absolutely no idea who this person is, nor do I have any recollection of having talked to him before in my whole entire life.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
XM on TV!
Did you get a chance to catch the episode of "Country Music Across America" on GAC that Storme shot in our new XM studios?Well a reporter from NewsChannel 5 - the CBS affiliate here in Nashville - saw it, and filed the information away in his reporter's notebook.
Today he needed a story, so he called Storme, who sent him to me. After jumping through the appropriate corporate hoops, I got to give the news crew a tour of the new digs! For just a minute - I was back in TV news again. LOL.
Come on in!
New Music Alert: HOT Off the Presses!
Reason #795 why XM is cooler than every other radio station in America:
We've got a brand new song that Jack Ingram just recorded. Hasn't even been pressed to a CD yet. I'm not sure if his wife has even heard it yet, it's THAT new.
He sent it over to us and wants to know what THE FANS think. Jon Anthony is going to be playing it during his show today -- which goes live in like 2 minutes. So turn on Highway16 now -- or DirecTV channel 814.
Jack wants "verbatim" feedback -- so give it a listen, then send your HONEST thoughts to Highway16 at xmradio.com
Jack is waiting to hear from you!
We've got a brand new song that Jack Ingram just recorded. Hasn't even been pressed to a CD yet. I'm not sure if his wife has even heard it yet, it's THAT new.
He sent it over to us and wants to know what THE FANS think. Jon Anthony is going to be playing it during his show today -- which goes live in like 2 minutes. So turn on Highway16 now -- or DirecTV channel 814.
Jack wants "verbatim" feedback -- so give it a listen, then send your HONEST thoughts to Highway16 at xmradio.com
Jack is waiting to hear from you!
Fay, Fay, Go Away!
Just wanted to let my Florida readers know you've been in my thoughts and prayers! Let us know you're ok when you can!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Life
Just catching y'all up on some things in my world lately...
A couple of personal notes first... my brother has been in the hospital for the past several days with meningitis. Not the bad kind (although it certainly hasn't been the good kind either..) That's not been fun. That's when it sucks that I'm 8 hours away and can't take a hospital shift or help watch munchkins.
And it's a week and a half into the school year and I absolutely hate Delaynie's school. We put her into public school this year for the first time, which is a long convoluted story in and of itself. Unless things improve drastically (or I start drinking heavily) she's going to be back in private school by Christmas. Still awaiting the merger fallout before I can commit to that kind of money again.
For the past 2 days I've been immersed in Jessica Simpson. We're cutting a show with her tomorrow that may or may not ever make air. I have to tell you, this album is pretty dang good. She does have a beautiful voice (I never heard her as a pop singer, so it was all new to me.) There's a track on here called "Pray Out Loud" that I really love.
Today we had The Road Hammers in the new studios. Live. On the radio. That alone is always an adventure. Add to the mix that it was the first time Storme had worked in that particular studio. However it turned out, it was guaranteed to be exciting.
All went well, fortunately, and everything worked except the ability to take phone calls. Storme continues to amaze me with his interview skills. He did 30 minutes with nothing but an album cover as prep, and had tons of things to talk to them about. The only thing I needed to contribute was getting their tour dates up online. He's awesome.
Storme and I have some great conversations about music and artists, and we were laughing today because he was telling me about all the people he's interviewed for GAC in the past 2 days. Kid Rock, Jessica Simpson, Darius Rucker and Gretchen Wilson. One of these things is not like the other...
Oh yeah -- one of them started out as a country artist! But we laughed about how the rock folks are putting out some of the best songs on country radio right now. "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" is still my favorite song on the radio.
Don't think I don't wonder 'bout
Could've been, should've been all worked out
I know what I felt, and I know what I said
But don't think I don't think about it
On a related note... I've heard the Kid Rock radio edit on the local country radio stations, and they bleep out "smoking" in the line "smoking funny things." Which led my imagination to think there was something much more offensive than "smoking" going on before I knew what the lyric was. We play the unbleeped version on XM.
Call in and ask Storme about Kid Rock sometime. :-) He's totally a fan.
Should have good stories for you tomorrow night...
A couple of personal notes first... my brother has been in the hospital for the past several days with meningitis. Not the bad kind (although it certainly hasn't been the good kind either..) That's not been fun. That's when it sucks that I'm 8 hours away and can't take a hospital shift or help watch munchkins.
And it's a week and a half into the school year and I absolutely hate Delaynie's school. We put her into public school this year for the first time, which is a long convoluted story in and of itself. Unless things improve drastically (or I start drinking heavily) she's going to be back in private school by Christmas. Still awaiting the merger fallout before I can commit to that kind of money again.
For the past 2 days I've been immersed in Jessica Simpson. We're cutting a show with her tomorrow that may or may not ever make air. I have to tell you, this album is pretty dang good. She does have a beautiful voice (I never heard her as a pop singer, so it was all new to me.) There's a track on here called "Pray Out Loud" that I really love.
Today we had The Road Hammers in the new studios. Live. On the radio. That alone is always an adventure. Add to the mix that it was the first time Storme had worked in that particular studio. However it turned out, it was guaranteed to be exciting.
All went well, fortunately, and everything worked except the ability to take phone calls. Storme continues to amaze me with his interview skills. He did 30 minutes with nothing but an album cover as prep, and had tons of things to talk to them about. The only thing I needed to contribute was getting their tour dates up online. He's awesome.
Storme and I have some great conversations about music and artists, and we were laughing today because he was telling me about all the people he's interviewed for GAC in the past 2 days. Kid Rock, Jessica Simpson, Darius Rucker and Gretchen Wilson. One of these things is not like the other...
Oh yeah -- one of them started out as a country artist! But we laughed about how the rock folks are putting out some of the best songs on country radio right now. "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" is still my favorite song on the radio.
Don't think I don't wonder 'bout
Could've been, should've been all worked out
I know what I felt, and I know what I said
But don't think I don't think about it
On a related note... I've heard the Kid Rock radio edit on the local country radio stations, and they bleep out "smoking" in the line "smoking funny things." Which led my imagination to think there was something much more offensive than "smoking" going on before I knew what the lyric was. We play the unbleeped version on XM.
Call in and ask Storme about Kid Rock sometime. :-) He's totally a fan.
Should have good stories for you tomorrow night...
Monday, August 18, 2008
For the Bluegrass Fans
Here are pictures from the IBMA Nominations announcements last Thursday. Someone... who shall remain nameless... has not yet posted pictures on KyleCantrell.com... so I'm taking matters into my own hands and hijacking his readers!
By the way, a quirk of our new phone system here in the XM Tower is that sometimes, when you call in to Bluegrass Junction's Request Monday - I answer the phone.
My favorite request of the day came from Frank in Florida who wanted to hear "Sally Ann" before the storm hit.
AJ Party Pics!
I put a couple of pictures in my previous post about Alan Jackson's 50 Million Party. Here are a few more. Where else could you wash down your balogna sandwich with a blue martini?
Be sure to read my buddy Ed's review at CMT.com -- and check out the slide show... there's a familiar face in there!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
And the winner of the Overcrowded Street Week is....
Sugarland! LOL But wait -- they didn't release an album last week!
Didn't matter, they still sold more country albums than anyone else. Top 6 looked like this:
Sugarland - 91,429
Heidi Newfield - 34,417
Keith Anderson - 31,936
Taylor Swift - 28,041 (Self titled debut album, now available as a Deluxe Edition)
Taylor Swift - 18,737 (Walmart exclusive edition CD / DVD extravaganza)
Jamey Johnson - 16,924
Melissa Lawson had 32, 628 digital downloads -- #2 in country behind Sugarland.
In other news, I attended a 50 Million Party for Alan Jackson tonight, during which another media person told me she loved my blog. So I am feeling guilty that I've been neglecting it so badly lately. Tomorrow night I'll post lots of photos and scoop from the event, which I have to tell you, featured a full bar of toppings including shrimp, cheese, bacon, chives, jalapenos..
Not for Baked Potatoes.
Not for Salad.
For Grits.
No I'm not kidding. I couldn't make that up. Never having had grits before, I could not resist the opportunity to sample some grits out of a martini glass. I mean really. How could you pass that up?
Now I will be always be able to tell everyone that the only time I ever ate grits was at AJ's party.
Before the party, which was held, for reasons never explained, at the Vanderbilt University Student Life Center, AJ did a little press conference. He reflected a lot on his career, and the music. One of the questions he was asked revolved around a quote in this article in today's Tennessean. He called the reporter out - twice - for taking his quote out of context. And she was in the room. He went on to give the full context, I'll get it for you from the tape.
VIP's in the room included Trace and Rhonda Atkins, Jack Greene, Mel Tillis and Charlie Chase. Ed Morris from CMT.com was there -- I made sure to tell him about the Grits bar. So be watching for his article online tomorrow. He's always great with the details.
So pictures coming tomorrow, but for now I must get to bed -- I'm up early tomorrow for the IBMA Awards Nominations -- heard live from the Country Music Hall of Fame on XM 14, Bluegrass Junction. We'll see if I'm 3 for 3 in getting Kyle nominated for Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year.
It will also be my first time working in the CMHOF since January. I should come back with LOTS of good stories to share.
Didn't matter, they still sold more country albums than anyone else. Top 6 looked like this:
Sugarland - 91,429
Heidi Newfield - 34,417
Keith Anderson - 31,936
Taylor Swift - 28,041 (Self titled debut album, now available as a Deluxe Edition)
Taylor Swift - 18,737 (Walmart exclusive edition CD / DVD extravaganza)
Jamey Johnson - 16,924
Melissa Lawson had 32, 628 digital downloads -- #2 in country behind Sugarland.
In other news, I attended a 50 Million Party for Alan Jackson tonight, during which another media person told me she loved my blog. So I am feeling guilty that I've been neglecting it so badly lately. Tomorrow night I'll post lots of photos and scoop from the event, which I have to tell you, featured a full bar of toppings including shrimp, cheese, bacon, chives, jalapenos..Not for Baked Potatoes.
Not for Salad.
For Grits.
No I'm not kidding. I couldn't make that up. Never having had grits before, I could not resist the opportunity to sample some grits out of a martini glass. I mean really. How could you pass that up?Now I will be always be able to tell everyone that the only time I ever ate grits was at AJ's party.
Before the party, which was held, for reasons never explained, at the Vanderbilt University Student Life Center, AJ did a little press conference. He reflected a lot on his career, and the music. One of the questions he was asked revolved around a quote in this article in today's Tennessean. He called the reporter out - twice - for taking his quote out of context. And she was in the room. He went on to give the full context, I'll get it for you from the tape.
VIP's in the room included Trace and Rhonda Atkins, Jack Greene, Mel Tillis and Charlie Chase. Ed Morris from CMT.com was there -- I made sure to tell him about the Grits bar. So be watching for his article online tomorrow. He's always great with the details.
So pictures coming tomorrow, but for now I must get to bed -- I'm up early tomorrow for the IBMA Awards Nominations -- heard live from the Country Music Hall of Fame on XM 14, Bluegrass Junction. We'll see if I'm 3 for 3 in getting Kyle nominated for Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year.
It will also be my first time working in the CMHOF since January. I should come back with LOTS of good stories to share.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Songs About Bridges
Looking through some photos tonight I found this photo, which reminded me of our earlier conversation about Bridges.
Auckland, NZ - May 2007
So -- let's start a list of songs about Bridges. Because I can't come up with any that talk about being terrified of Bridges, (Or, for that matter, crazy little brothers who Bungee off of them...) so I might need to write one.
Burning Bridges - Brooks & Dunn
We'll Burn That Bridge - Brooks & Dunn Hmm... maybe they have a phobia too?
Which Bridge to Cross, Which Bridge To Burn - Vince Gill
London Bridge -- does that count?
Thursday, August 07, 2008
What famous people have I met?
On a message board I visit, they've started a "Brushes with Fame" thread. Obviously, country music artists can't count for me, hee hee hee.
I'm trying to remember who I've met outside of the music world - I know there have been a few. Larry King, James Carville, Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller.
There's gotta be more.
I'm trying to remember who I've met outside of the music world - I know there have been a few. Larry King, James Carville, Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller.
There's gotta be more.
It's Crowded on the Street this Week!
Busy street week here in Nashville. These three albums were released Tuesday -- which one(s) are you buying?
Keith Anderson - C'MON!
Jamey Johnson - That Lonesome Song
Heidi Newfield - What Am I Waiting For
Keith Anderson - C'MON!
Jamey Johnson - That Lonesome Song
Heidi Newfield - What Am I Waiting For
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Why Taylor Swift ROCKS
Not that there was ever any doubt in my mind about what an awesome young lady Taylor Swift is, I know I've blogged about this before. But I just have to share how wonderful she was with Delaynie yesterday.
And then Delaynie spent the rest of the night calling her friends to tell them that she'd met Taylor Swift and they have the exact same hair.
And THAT is why this young lady has sold 3 million albums and kids - and moms - all over America love love love her. Because we want people that treat our daughters like they are the most special person in the universe. Because they are.
We were working at the Music Row studio we use, and it was completely a zoo. We were there doing a Driver's Ed with Heidi Newfield. Keith Anderson was there doing a radio tour. And Taylor came in to co-host Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton.
Now I had no idea that either Taylor or Keith would be working out of the same place that day. But it just so happened that when Delaynie got dressed that morning, she wore her tiara that I brought home from Taylor Swift's Prom party. For no other reason than - I have a crazy kid that sometimes wears a tiara. I secretly think she tells her friends that Taylor gave it to HER.
So when I learned Taylor was on her way in, I made mention to my buddy JZ at Big Machine that Delaynie was here, and if possible, I'd love for her to just be able to say hello. He tells me that it shouldn't be a problem if we can wait until after she cuts the show.
I'm in the studio with our Heidi session and JZ comes and taps on the glass. He asks if I can have Delaynie out in the common area, that Taylor is just wrapping up.
I'm in the studio with our Heidi session and JZ comes and taps on the glass. He asks if I can have Delaynie out in the common area, that Taylor is just wrapping up.
So she's out there, reading a book. Y'all know by now that I'm not one to force meetings with celebrities, if it happens, it happens. (I may never hear the end of taking Delaynie to Nashville Star and not introducing her to Hannah Montana's dad, even though he was 3 feet away.) We get done with Heidi about the time Taylor gets done and she and Heidi hook up and start doing girl talk. Delaynie's sitting in the hall with her nose in a book, and I'm just waiting for the appropriate moment that I can introduce her to Taylor. Turns out, that wasn't going to be necessary.
I see Taylor come out and kind of scan the room, and she walks past me and Jon and Lon everyone and goes and sits down on the couch next to Delaynie.
"Hi, what's your name?"
She compliments her on the cool name, and then says, "I have decided that we have the exact same curly hair." And they sit there and talk about their wild and crazy hair. And Radio Disney. And Delaynie is just beaming. I wander over and tell her that Delaynie is my daughter and they talk about her tiara and I tell her that she just happened to be wearing it, we had no way of knowing that we'd be seeing Taylor, and she says that that is the coolest thing and tells Delaynie "thanks for representing!"
So then she asks Delaynie if someone has a camera that they could take a picture together. Of course... I do. ;-) So they do a photo, and then Taylor says "Now let's make funny faces."
And then Delaynie spent the rest of the night calling her friends to tell them that she'd met Taylor Swift and they have the exact same hair.
And THAT is why this young lady has sold 3 million albums and kids - and moms - all over America love love love her. Because we want people that treat our daughters like they are the most special person in the universe. Because they are.
I'm sure Taylor's mom knows that.
And the new Nashville Star is....
Melissa Lawson! Very cool. She will join Jon Anthony live tomorrow around 1:45 Eastern on Highway 16.
I think this show turned out the best it can be. The four going on the Nashville Star Tour are going to offer a diverse package of entertainment. This is probably Melissa's best chance, because let's face it... 35 year old mothers of five aren't what the Nashville Record Labels are signing these days, so I'm estatic that she's going to get it. Gabe is going to get signed somewhere because John Rich has been waving his Hispanic Country Flag, and Shawn is going to get valuable experience on this tour and be a star in her own right some day.
You read it here first... I predict John Rich will be hosting next year's Nashville Star. I can see the wheels already spinning in his brain.
Watch this space tomorrow and learn why I **AM** the coolest mom in America. Or Tennessee, anyway. Ok, Nashville. Well... at least the coolest mom that Delaynie has.
I think this show turned out the best it can be. The four going on the Nashville Star Tour are going to offer a diverse package of entertainment. This is probably Melissa's best chance, because let's face it... 35 year old mothers of five aren't what the Nashville Record Labels are signing these days, so I'm estatic that she's going to get it. Gabe is going to get signed somewhere because John Rich has been waving his Hispanic Country Flag, and Shawn is going to get valuable experience on this tour and be a star in her own right some day.
You read it here first... I predict John Rich will be hosting next year's Nashville Star. I can see the wheels already spinning in his brain.
Watch this space tomorrow and learn why I **AM** the coolest mom in America. Or Tennessee, anyway. Ok, Nashville. Well... at least the coolest mom that Delaynie has.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Nashville Star FINALE
Hey, I'm headed into Nashville Star. I wanted to remind you that the show has a later start time tonight 10:00 PM Eastern, 9:00 Central and they're going to crown a winner. I'm gonna predict that the winner will be Gabe, however I will tell you I voted for Melissa. I check in after the show and let you know how it went. listen
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Sunday, August 03, 2008
Sunday Late Night Ramblings
Howdy -- how's everyone doing? I feel like I haven't talked to you guys in forever.
It's going to be an exciting week at XM. Not like they've been dull lately here in MergerLand... LOL. We've done our few few interviews out of the new studios. Nashville Star Radio was done there this week -- our last episode. I hope you got to hear it, because I know some of you would have been interested in hearing Shawn talk about why she sang "The Dance" or heard what Melissa's favorite song to sing is. If you missed it, one last chance tomorrow (Monday) at Noon Eastern. Tomorrow night we'll know the winner! They'll be coming by XM on Tuesday to deliver their first single. I'm going to the show... not because I have to, but because... I feel like I've gone through the journey this far... I need to cross that finish line.
I think all three have good potential, but I did get to tell one contestant that Delaynie and I had voted for them. Shh! Don't tell the others!
Before we get to Nashville Star fun tomorrow night though, we're taping three - 3 - THREE - trois - tres - THREE shows tomorrow. All in a row. 10am, 11am, 12:30. At 2 different studios. Two ShortCuts, one Driver's Ed. I can't decide if that's incredibly efficient booking brilliance or sheer insanity.
When I was writing them, I was quite certain it was the latter. However, now that they're done and will be in the can ready to edit before my summer intern leaves me, I'm telling myself how brilliant it was.
It was incredibly hot here today, so I tried to stay inside as much as possible. My most productive thing of the day was to get my hubby to hang these new wrought iron pieces I got yesterday. (you'll just have to envision a cool, silver "R" in the middle of the top piece, it's not up yet.) Now if I could just figure out what to do with the windows in this room, I'd be happy.
Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of us moving into this house, following the House Closing from Hades. :-D We are definitely blessed!
I need to do a photo album of my pictures from Gillette Stadium -- I have some pretty cool shots of the concert. Have I blogged about the show? It was amazing. The only other stadium concert I've been to was George Strait a zillion years ago, and it was NOTHING like this. The production on this thing was incredible, I've not seen anything like it. Which is why he IS the four time and reigning consecutive in a row Entertainer of something or another and the 3 time consecutive one right after another winner of something else. ;-)
Big day tomorrow -- must get the munchkin off to bed.
It's going to be an exciting week at XM. Not like they've been dull lately here in MergerLand... LOL. We've done our few few interviews out of the new studios. Nashville Star Radio was done there this week -- our last episode. I hope you got to hear it, because I know some of you would have been interested in hearing Shawn talk about why she sang "The Dance" or heard what Melissa's favorite song to sing is. If you missed it, one last chance tomorrow (Monday) at Noon Eastern. Tomorrow night we'll know the winner! They'll be coming by XM on Tuesday to deliver their first single. I'm going to the show... not because I have to, but because... I feel like I've gone through the journey this far... I need to cross that finish line.
I think all three have good potential, but I did get to tell one contestant that Delaynie and I had voted for them. Shh! Don't tell the others!
Before we get to Nashville Star fun tomorrow night though, we're taping three - 3 - THREE - trois - tres - THREE shows tomorrow. All in a row. 10am, 11am, 12:30. At 2 different studios. Two ShortCuts, one Driver's Ed. I can't decide if that's incredibly efficient booking brilliance or sheer insanity.
When I was writing them, I was quite certain it was the latter. However, now that they're done and will be in the can ready to edit before my summer intern leaves me, I'm telling myself how brilliant it was.
It was incredibly hot here today, so I tried to stay inside as much as possible. My most productive thing of the day was to get my hubby to hang these new wrought iron pieces I got yesterday. (you'll just have to envision a cool, silver "R" in the middle of the top piece, it's not up yet.) Now if I could just figure out what to do with the windows in this room, I'd be happy.Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of us moving into this house, following the House Closing from Hades. :-D We are definitely blessed!
I need to do a photo album of my pictures from Gillette Stadium -- I have some pretty cool shots of the concert. Have I blogged about the show? It was amazing. The only other stadium concert I've been to was George Strait a zillion years ago, and it was NOTHING like this. The production on this thing was incredible, I've not seen anything like it. Which is why he IS the four time and reigning consecutive in a row Entertainer of something or another and the 3 time consecutive one right after another winner of something else. ;-)
Big day tomorrow -- must get the munchkin off to bed.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
More Rhode Island Pictures
Photos from the site of the Ginormous Bridge in Jamestown, RI, where I turned around before crossing into Newport.
Why did the chicken cross the bridge?
To show Producer J. it could be done!
I completely stumbled onto this picturesque site as I was exploring the twists and turns of Highway 1A. (Not to be confused with A1A)
Open letter to Katie, the Keith Urban fan from New Hampshire
Dear Katie --
I just wanted you to know that last Saturday - you totally made my day. And I want you to remember that as exciting as that all was for you -- KEITH was the lucky one. He's lucky to have a fan like you. He's the type of guy that knows that - but I wanted to make sure that you knew that too.
I hope your pictures turned out ok.
Hugs & Heartpats -
Joyce
I just wanted you to know that last Saturday - you totally made my day. And I want you to remember that as exciting as that all was for you -- KEITH was the lucky one. He's lucky to have a fan like you. He's the type of guy that knows that - but I wanted to make sure that you knew that too.
I hope your pictures turned out ok.
Hugs & Heartpats -
Joyce
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Hello from a very wet...
Hello from a very wet and rainy Providence Airport where I am stuck, I am stuck in Rhode Island. Apparently the flight that was taking me to Philadelphia was delayed to the point of not being able to get me home today/tonight, so I don't think I got stuck in Philadelphia I got stuck in Providence or(?) just because I'm very white(?) strong(?), so I'm headed to the hotel under a distressed passenger rates, I'm not really distressed just a little annoyed, hope you're all having a better night. listen
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Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
My Employer
Sitting in a hotel lobby in MA, wearing my XM shirt, I learned --
I now officially work for Sirius Satellite Radio.
I now officially work for Sirius Satellite Radio.
State number 4, Massachusetts....
Page number 4, Massachusetts. You know the great thing about my life is that no matter where I go, I couldn't say in the US that literally around the world. It seems like I have a friend there waiting for me. I'm about 10 minutes from my hotel. Paula is on her way there, and I'm driving upon a G6 with Exa. Life is good. I will probably talk to you next from Gillette Stadium tomorrow. Have a good night. listen
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Airport number 3, Providence...
Airport number 3, Providence Rhode Island. The weather is absolutely beautiful here. I am headed to the hotel and then Paula is gonna join me on my quest for awesome Boston(?) camchatter(?). listen
I made a quick detour on this trip to Pawtucket, which was quite lovely. I was looking for a RI visitor's center, but didn't find one. I did however, get some nice pictures.
I made a quick detour on this trip to Pawtucket, which was quite lovely. I was looking for a RI visitor's center, but didn't find one. I did however, get some nice pictures.
Airport # 1 / Airport number #2
Airport number 2, Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. I'm not feeling any love for this airport, it is very ugly. And the cheese steak that I did have was not very good. We flew in over all the sports stadiums where the Eagles and the Phillys and everybody play. And I have a nice view of the skyline from where I'm at. I'll take a picture. Talk to you again in Providence! listen
This one from Airport #1 Jott didn't post with audio because of a "low transcription confidence." Oddly enough, they got Tootsie's Orchid Lounge right, but missed Kenny Tesney.
This one from Airport #1 Jott didn't post with audio because of a "low transcription confidence." Oddly enough, they got Tootsie's Orchid Lounge right, but missed Kenny Tesney.
Checking in from airport number one where I have seen Kimberly from Little Big Town and her family traveling. I heard someone covering Kenny Chesney at the little Tootsie's Orchid lounge that they set up out here. And Phil Vassar is on the over head announcement welcoming everybody. They have a Nashville Star store here now too! It's raining - I hope my flight gets of on time because I really want to have time to get lunch in Philadelphia. Of course I'm gonna have a cheese steak. See you there.!
Please Come To Boston...
'cause you're the number one fan of the man from Tennessee...
Sorry. Couldn't resist.
Today should be an interesting day. I'm spending the better part of my waking hours traveling... three airports... four states... OOH -- it's going to be an exciting year end World Tour t-shirt! Haven't had PA, RI or MA on there yet.
While I'm sitting in airports the Merger is probably going to become official... it's unofficially gone through -- the FCC calls it an "agreement in principal." All in all, I'm happy, because my goal was to get to work in our new offices, and I've done that. Whatever happens from here is all good, and there isn't anything I can do one way or the other, so no sense stressing over it.
My cell phone is on, but my laptop is still dead, so I will probably be curing my travel boredom with audio blogs. My trip is not going to be complete until I get some authentic Boston clam chowder. That, is my mission.
Sorry. Couldn't resist.
Today should be an interesting day. I'm spending the better part of my waking hours traveling... three airports... four states... OOH -- it's going to be an exciting year end World Tour t-shirt! Haven't had PA, RI or MA on there yet.
While I'm sitting in airports the Merger is probably going to become official... it's unofficially gone through -- the FCC calls it an "agreement in principal." All in all, I'm happy, because my goal was to get to work in our new offices, and I've done that. Whatever happens from here is all good, and there isn't anything I can do one way or the other, so no sense stressing over it.
My cell phone is on, but my laptop is still dead, so I will probably be curing my travel boredom with audio blogs. My trip is not going to be complete until I get some authentic Boston clam chowder. That, is my mission.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mark Your Calendars!
XM Artist Confidential with LeAnn Rimes, is airing on Monday (July 28). Hosted by XM's George Taylor Morris, this show features an hour of music and conversation with LeAnn. She performs songs from her latest CD "Family" as well as a couple of her previous hits.
LeAnn Rimes Artist Confidential airs Monday night at 8pm ET on Highway 16 AND all day Monday on XMX, channel 2.
LeAnn Rimes Artist Confidential airs Monday night at 8pm ET on Highway 16 AND all day Monday on XMX, channel 2.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Press Release Du Jour
Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio Sets Sail July 26
Boston’s Gillette Stadium Show Marks Launch of XM Kenny Station
Foxboro, MA: Never mind that tickets for Kenny Chesney’s Poets & Pirates Tour sold out in 15 minutes back in December. Forget about the fact that a chunk of his critically acclaimed live, Live Those Songs Again was recorded at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. Don’t even bother considering that this is the fourth straight year the 4-straight Academy of Country Music and 3-time and current Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year has packed the home of the New England Patriots to the bursting for an all day celebration of good times, good friends and good music.
Just when it didn’t seem there was anything the full-tilt performer could add to the intensity, Chesney and his friends at XM Radio will launch the almost all-Kenny No Shoes Radio on July 26 with a live 4 hour kick-off from the ultimate tail-gate experience: the parking lot of Gillette Stadium. Broadcasting from a stage being set up as half broadcast booth/half acoustic performance space, look for Jon Anthony to create the day’s largest boom box for the fans who are coming to get their Kenny on.
“The whole idea behind the station,” Chesney says, “is to take that energy in the parking lot and keep it going. You buzz around in a golf cart before the show, and it sounds like some kind of carnival with all this different music, all these different songs… and No Shoes isn’t just about a buncha my stuff people know, and stuff they may not know as well, but it’s about rare live performances, drop ins and acoustic surprises from my friends and just keeping that vibe alive long after the show has left town.”
In the spirit of spontaneous music and expanding the musical reality of Chesney’s world, not only will the headline be dropping by the stage during the four hour kick-off, but LeAnn Rimes will also drop-in– and there are any number of you-never-know-who-might-show-ups in the wind. As if that sense of musical camaraderie isn’t enough, the good folks at XM are going to be giving away free XM radios – while supplies last – to anyone who signs up for a three month plan.
“We’ve got chunks of our Key West show going up this weekend,” says the man who’s had three multiple week #1s – “Never Wanted Nothing More,” “Don’t Blink” and “Better As A Memory” --from his platinum Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. “Anyone who’s ever wanted to go to a Keg in the Closet show, but couldn’t get there – or get in if they could – they can experience what that’s like. It’s going to be crazy having some of this music, played in some of these settings going out to the world, but in a way, it’s a great chance to bring people all the way into our world.”
I need to read it again... I was sure there would be a line included that went something like.. "Seven year XM veteran Producer J., the senior member of the XM Nashville programming team, will be boarding a Southwest Airlines jet headed for the north east where the Central IL native will be responsible for producing the high-energy fan-packed four hour live broadcast originating from the west side of Gillette stadium and ringing out border to border and coast to coast across North America on the newly created XM channel 18."
Boston’s Gillette Stadium Show Marks Launch of XM Kenny Station
Foxboro, MA: Never mind that tickets for Kenny Chesney’s Poets & Pirates Tour sold out in 15 minutes back in December. Forget about the fact that a chunk of his critically acclaimed live, Live Those Songs Again was recorded at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. Don’t even bother considering that this is the fourth straight year the 4-straight Academy of Country Music and 3-time and current Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year has packed the home of the New England Patriots to the bursting for an all day celebration of good times, good friends and good music.
Just when it didn’t seem there was anything the full-tilt performer could add to the intensity, Chesney and his friends at XM Radio will launch the almost all-Kenny No Shoes Radio on July 26 with a live 4 hour kick-off from the ultimate tail-gate experience: the parking lot of Gillette Stadium. Broadcasting from a stage being set up as half broadcast booth/half acoustic performance space, look for Jon Anthony to create the day’s largest boom box for the fans who are coming to get their Kenny on.
“The whole idea behind the station,” Chesney says, “is to take that energy in the parking lot and keep it going. You buzz around in a golf cart before the show, and it sounds like some kind of carnival with all this different music, all these different songs… and No Shoes isn’t just about a buncha my stuff people know, and stuff they may not know as well, but it’s about rare live performances, drop ins and acoustic surprises from my friends and just keeping that vibe alive long after the show has left town.”
In the spirit of spontaneous music and expanding the musical reality of Chesney’s world, not only will the headline be dropping by the stage during the four hour kick-off, but LeAnn Rimes will also drop-in– and there are any number of you-never-know-who-might-show-ups in the wind. As if that sense of musical camaraderie isn’t enough, the good folks at XM are going to be giving away free XM radios – while supplies last – to anyone who signs up for a three month plan.
“We’ve got chunks of our Key West show going up this weekend,” says the man who’s had three multiple week #1s – “Never Wanted Nothing More,” “Don’t Blink” and “Better As A Memory” --from his platinum Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. “Anyone who’s ever wanted to go to a Keg in the Closet show, but couldn’t get there – or get in if they could – they can experience what that’s like. It’s going to be crazy having some of this music, played in some of these settings going out to the world, but in a way, it’s a great chance to bring people all the way into our world.”
I need to read it again... I was sure there would be a line included that went something like.. "Seven year XM veteran Producer J., the senior member of the XM Nashville programming team, will be boarding a Southwest Airlines jet headed for the north east where the Central IL native will be responsible for producing the high-energy fan-packed four hour live broadcast originating from the west side of Gillette stadium and ringing out border to border and coast to coast across North America on the newly created XM channel 18."
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Nashville Star Week 7
Blame Nashville Star Radio for my lack of blogging lately.
Mondays I go to the tv show. It's a late night, so I usually go into work late, which knocks down my productivity. Tuesday I write the show and work on soundbites, which usually kills my entire day. Wednesday nights we tape the show (usually at 8:30 but a couple nights it was 10:30) so that's another wacky day. My schedule is completely off kilter. And in the middle of all that we were relocating. And my laptop died. I can't say that I'm going to be sorry to see this show end. Although I have to say, I'm really happy with the way the radio show has turned out. This was a show I got to create from a blank sheet of paper, which has been a lot of fun. And exhausting.
So just catching up on all things Nashville Star, I have to tell you that I'm liking the TV show much better now that they've weeded out some of the riff raff. There were definitely people who didn't deserve to be there. And the crew didn't deserve having to put up with them. I'm totally surprised that Ashlee was sent home. I'd predicted Ashlee, Gabe and Melissa in the final show. Now I've officially given up predicting.
The radio show this week takes a little different turn. We take the contestants in one by one, instead of by mentor groups. They each get a chance to make their case for why THEY should be the next Nashville Star. And they all brought their guitars!
I've gotten a few questions about particular contestants, and given that I've spent many a late night hour (and plenty of Oreos) with them, I thought I'd just share a few thoughts about the Final Four.
Coffey -- Quite possibly the most charming human being I've ever met. He's just a doll. He has an amazing spirit, the kind of person you want to hang around because he makes you feel good. He was also incredibly sweet to Delaynie (as were Ashlee and Shawn) which always adds bonus points. Then this week, he asked me to tell my daughter hello from him and told me how beautiful she was. Wait until you hear what he's doing for his hometown concert, it totally gave me goosebumps. I could go on and on about some of the neat things he does. He inspires me. I don't think he's the best singer on this show, but I do think he's the best entertainer, and I think he could be an amazing ambassador for country music if given the chance.
Shawn Mayer -- I can't wait to go see her sing somewhere. A bar, an amphitheatre, an arena - wherever. I think she's underdelivering on what she's capable of, but it's hard to tell in a minute and a half song. I want to see more from her. She has a great respect for the music, and has worked really hard to get this far. She's also somehow the most "real" to me. Today we had a conversation about tattoos. (One of us has one, one of us doesn't.) She's doing something pretty neat for her hometown visit too. Maybe that's why we get along so well -- she's from a town even tinier than my hometown. You need to tune in to this week's NSRadio just to hear her studio performance. She is also just stunningly beautiful in person. She looks the part of the winner.
Gabe Garcia - He's Mr. Guy Next Door. He's the one always hanging out in the green room talking to the crew. SOO laid back. I think he has a good voice and he looks good, but I'm still hoping he steps up and wows me. The time I liked him best on stage was the opening cast sing of "Life Is A Highway." He HAD to move across the stage, no guitar, wasn't tied down to one spot, and he was a lot of fun. He'll be the first to tell you he wants to be like George Strait and just stand there and sing, but I'll be the first to tell you I'd love to see him run from one end of the stage to another. He also could do a lot to broaden the appeal of country music. He has a manager here in Nashville.
Melissa Lawson -- Melissa has really warmed up to us over the past couple of weeks. In the beginning she was very quiet when they came in for the radio show, I didn't have a lot of interaction with her. Which is probably good, because had I been able to get her attention and get her alone those first couple of weeks, I'd have asked for her hubby's email address so I could just drop him a note and tell him I'd seen her and she was fine. LOL. But I would have loved to have had a conversation mom-to-mom about this crazy business. She's smart about the business, and she's a fighter. If this contest was judged solely on vocal talent, she'd far and away be the winner. Unfortunately, this is all about which fan base can best be mobilized to click, text, or call. I said I wasn't making predictions, but if I was, I'd put my money on an upset.
Now that I've made you read all that. What you really want to know...
Jon asked each contestant the same series of questions for this week's show -- why them, hometown visit, what they'll be performing next week, etc. They each will be doing 2 songs. Melissa named one and then said something real generic like "and another great song..." (She knows how to give those evasive answers already - see that star potential?) However, I know how to spot those evasive answers, so I asked her afterwords about her second choice, and she said they hadn't picked it yet.
So I flat out told her that a few friends and I had been discussing how we were dying to hear her belt out a Trisha Yearwood power ballad. She kind of sighed and said "I know!" She said she'd been trying and trying, but they kept telling her no. SHE brought it up that she wanted to do "Real Live Woman" a couple of weeks ago because it fit her so perfectly but they told her it wasn't a big enough song. So I told her I was going to come see her on the Nashville Star Tour and she'd have to sing it for me.
I can't say at this point that I'd be unhappy if any of these four won. Regardless of what people might say about the show - and first and foremost, this is a TV show - they are four pretty neat people.
Mondays I go to the tv show. It's a late night, so I usually go into work late, which knocks down my productivity. Tuesday I write the show and work on soundbites, which usually kills my entire day. Wednesday nights we tape the show (usually at 8:30 but a couple nights it was 10:30) so that's another wacky day. My schedule is completely off kilter. And in the middle of all that we were relocating. And my laptop died. I can't say that I'm going to be sorry to see this show end. Although I have to say, I'm really happy with the way the radio show has turned out. This was a show I got to create from a blank sheet of paper, which has been a lot of fun. And exhausting.
So just catching up on all things Nashville Star, I have to tell you that I'm liking the TV show much better now that they've weeded out some of the riff raff. There were definitely people who didn't deserve to be there. And the crew didn't deserve having to put up with them. I'm totally surprised that Ashlee was sent home. I'd predicted Ashlee, Gabe and Melissa in the final show. Now I've officially given up predicting.
The radio show this week takes a little different turn. We take the contestants in one by one, instead of by mentor groups. They each get a chance to make their case for why THEY should be the next Nashville Star. And they all brought their guitars!
I've gotten a few questions about particular contestants, and given that I've spent many a late night hour (and plenty of Oreos) with them, I thought I'd just share a few thoughts about the Final Four.
Coffey -- Quite possibly the most charming human being I've ever met. He's just a doll. He has an amazing spirit, the kind of person you want to hang around because he makes you feel good. He was also incredibly sweet to Delaynie (as were Ashlee and Shawn) which always adds bonus points. Then this week, he asked me to tell my daughter hello from him and told me how beautiful she was. Wait until you hear what he's doing for his hometown concert, it totally gave me goosebumps. I could go on and on about some of the neat things he does. He inspires me. I don't think he's the best singer on this show, but I do think he's the best entertainer, and I think he could be an amazing ambassador for country music if given the chance.
Shawn Mayer -- I can't wait to go see her sing somewhere. A bar, an amphitheatre, an arena - wherever. I think she's underdelivering on what she's capable of, but it's hard to tell in a minute and a half song. I want to see more from her. She has a great respect for the music, and has worked really hard to get this far. She's also somehow the most "real" to me. Today we had a conversation about tattoos. (One of us has one, one of us doesn't.) She's doing something pretty neat for her hometown visit too. Maybe that's why we get along so well -- she's from a town even tinier than my hometown. You need to tune in to this week's NSRadio just to hear her studio performance. She is also just stunningly beautiful in person. She looks the part of the winner.
Gabe Garcia - He's Mr. Guy Next Door. He's the one always hanging out in the green room talking to the crew. SOO laid back. I think he has a good voice and he looks good, but I'm still hoping he steps up and wows me. The time I liked him best on stage was the opening cast sing of "Life Is A Highway." He HAD to move across the stage, no guitar, wasn't tied down to one spot, and he was a lot of fun. He'll be the first to tell you he wants to be like George Strait and just stand there and sing, but I'll be the first to tell you I'd love to see him run from one end of the stage to another. He also could do a lot to broaden the appeal of country music. He has a manager here in Nashville.
Melissa Lawson -- Melissa has really warmed up to us over the past couple of weeks. In the beginning she was very quiet when they came in for the radio show, I didn't have a lot of interaction with her. Which is probably good, because had I been able to get her attention and get her alone those first couple of weeks, I'd have asked for her hubby's email address so I could just drop him a note and tell him I'd seen her and she was fine. LOL. But I would have loved to have had a conversation mom-to-mom about this crazy business. She's smart about the business, and she's a fighter. If this contest was judged solely on vocal talent, she'd far and away be the winner. Unfortunately, this is all about which fan base can best be mobilized to click, text, or call. I said I wasn't making predictions, but if I was, I'd put my money on an upset.
Now that I've made you read all that. What you really want to know...
Jon asked each contestant the same series of questions for this week's show -- why them, hometown visit, what they'll be performing next week, etc. They each will be doing 2 songs. Melissa named one and then said something real generic like "and another great song..." (She knows how to give those evasive answers already - see that star potential?) However, I know how to spot those evasive answers, so I asked her afterwords about her second choice, and she said they hadn't picked it yet.
So I flat out told her that a few friends and I had been discussing how we were dying to hear her belt out a Trisha Yearwood power ballad. She kind of sighed and said "I know!" She said she'd been trying and trying, but they kept telling her no. SHE brought it up that she wanted to do "Real Live Woman" a couple of weeks ago because it fit her so perfectly but they told her it wasn't a big enough song. So I told her I was going to come see her on the Nashville Star Tour and she'd have to sing it for me.
I can't say at this point that I'd be unhappy if any of these four won. Regardless of what people might say about the show - and first and foremost, this is a TV show - they are four pretty neat people.
The Suicidal Deer
We interrupt your standard country music related programming to bring you this non-musical anecdote.
Yesterday morning I'm in my driveway, loading junk into my car, when I hear this banging. I look up and see what looks like a dog crashing into the garage door of my neighbor's house diagonally across the street.
As I watch it pick itself up and hurl itself at the door 3 or 4 times, I realize it's not a dog. It's a deer.
About the time I realize this the deer gives up on the garage door and turns around and heads across the street. Towards my daughter. So I tell Delaynie to get in the car and as we watch this very young fawn runs across the street and heads between my house and the neighbor's house. She's (he's? Didn't look...) no more than 5 or 6 feet from Delaynie.
Now what I know, and the deer doesn't is that there is a fence blocking her from going into our back yards, and behind that fence are 2 hungry dogs. Fortunately it's a strong fence, and within a minute or so she reappears at the side of the house and crosses the street again.
This time she targets the neighbor directly across the street from us. And we watch her repeatedly throw herself head first into the garage door.
How that deer even stood up after all that beating, I don't know. But after several unsuccessful attempts to knock herself out, she gallops off down the street. She disappears around the corner, and then a couple of minutes later we see her cross the street again and disappear into the woods.
The moral of this story is, that if you thought you had a crappy Monday... just think of the unsuccessful suicidal deer in southern Davidson County.
We now return you to regular programming already in progress. Up next: lots of Nashville Star scoop -- including the reason you haven't heard Melissa Lawson singing the song she (and most of us) really want to hear her sing.
Yesterday morning I'm in my driveway, loading junk into my car, when I hear this banging. I look up and see what looks like a dog crashing into the garage door of my neighbor's house diagonally across the street.
As I watch it pick itself up and hurl itself at the door 3 or 4 times, I realize it's not a dog. It's a deer.
About the time I realize this the deer gives up on the garage door and turns around and heads across the street. Towards my daughter. So I tell Delaynie to get in the car and as we watch this very young fawn runs across the street and heads between my house and the neighbor's house. She's (he's? Didn't look...) no more than 5 or 6 feet from Delaynie.
Now what I know, and the deer doesn't is that there is a fence blocking her from going into our back yards, and behind that fence are 2 hungry dogs. Fortunately it's a strong fence, and within a minute or so she reappears at the side of the house and crosses the street again.
This time she targets the neighbor directly across the street from us. And we watch her repeatedly throw herself head first into the garage door.
How that deer even stood up after all that beating, I don't know. But after several unsuccessful attempts to knock herself out, she gallops off down the street. She disappears around the corner, and then a couple of minutes later we see her cross the street again and disappear into the woods.
The moral of this story is, that if you thought you had a crappy Monday... just think of the unsuccessful suicidal deer in southern Davidson County.
We now return you to regular programming already in progress. Up next: lots of Nashville Star scoop -- including the reason you haven't heard Melissa Lawson singing the song she (and most of us) really want to hear her sing.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Well THAT is no fun.
I just overheard who's getting eliminated.
That takes ALL the fun out of watching the show.
Off to re-write...
That takes ALL the fun out of watching the show.
Off to re-write...
Backstage Blogging at Nashville Star
Hello from the green room of the Acuff Theater, where I'm awaiting episode 7 of Nashville Star Radio. I didn't get a seat in the audience tonight, so I've comandeered someone's laptop and am hanging out in the green room.
So far I've seen Gabe -- looking awesome in a jacket, jeans and boots -- and Coffey -- looking incredibly handsome himself in a very cool blue shirt. I'm afraid I got makeup on Gabe's jacket... if you see a spot on his right shoulder, it's not MY fault.
They just announced 18 minutes until air. Will check in with you later. I've got my show laid out based on my guess for who will be eliminated. If you don't hear from me much you'll know I'm busy re-writing. There's a cool performance happening tonight -- tune in and see!
So far I've seen Gabe -- looking awesome in a jacket, jeans and boots -- and Coffey -- looking incredibly handsome himself in a very cool blue shirt. I'm afraid I got makeup on Gabe's jacket... if you see a spot on his right shoulder, it's not MY fault.
They just announced 18 minutes until air. Will check in with you later. I've got my show laid out based on my guess for who will be eliminated. If you don't hear from me much you'll know I'm busy re-writing. There's a cool performance happening tonight -- tune in and see!
Next Stop on the Producer J. World Tour Is...
Boston! By way of Providence, RI.
Anyone want to take a wild guess at why I'm headed to the Northeast?
Anyone want to take a wild guess at why I'm headed to the Northeast?
Monday, July 14, 2008
Call Now and talk to Storme!
Hey -- not only is Storme live out of our new studios for the next 3 hours -- he has working phone lines!
Check him out on Highway 16 until 7pm ET.
Check him out on Highway 16 until 7pm ET.
Friday, July 11, 2008
My Laptop.... R.I.P.
So I have this laptop. A Dell. Have had it for about 4 years now. Within the past 4 months I've bought both a new battery and a new power chord for it. (Which means I probably didn't need the battery.)
I use that laptop for a myriad of things. Although it's a personal machine, (XM wouldn't give me one) I use it for everything. Amongst the things I keep on it:
Editing software - All field audio interviews get loaded onto it, edited, and uploaded to our FTP site. My laptop has been the intern work station over the past few months, while we have been overcrowded awaiting our new studios.
Photos - everything from my trip to New Zealand (which I do have backup copies) to my assorted trips to the cornfields (most of which I don't) to all of our Nashville Star photos (which have been uploaded to an online album.)
Scripts - ShortCuts, Nashville Star, Driver's Ed -- my entire resume of the past 4 years pretty much.
Pampered Chef Software -- all of my parties, receipts, expenses, orders, addresses, from my first 8 shows.
You know where this is going, right?
My harddrive crashed. The computer no longer acknowledges its' existence.
GO BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER! NOW!!!
I use that laptop for a myriad of things. Although it's a personal machine, (XM wouldn't give me one) I use it for everything. Amongst the things I keep on it:
Editing software - All field audio interviews get loaded onto it, edited, and uploaded to our FTP site. My laptop has been the intern work station over the past few months, while we have been overcrowded awaiting our new studios.
Photos - everything from my trip to New Zealand (which I do have backup copies) to my assorted trips to the cornfields (most of which I don't) to all of our Nashville Star photos (which have been uploaded to an online album.)
Scripts - ShortCuts, Nashville Star, Driver's Ed -- my entire resume of the past 4 years pretty much.
Pampered Chef Software -- all of my parties, receipts, expenses, orders, addresses, from my first 8 shows.
You know where this is going, right?
My harddrive crashed. The computer no longer acknowledges its' existence.
GO BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER! NOW!!!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Move In Day
Today is my official "move in" day to the new studios at the Sommet Center.
It all feels very wierd. Pictures soon.
It all feels very wierd. Pictures soon.
Monday, July 07, 2008
It's a Girl!
Nicole and Keith Urban are delighted to announce that Nicole Kidman gave birth to a baby girl on Monday morning, July 7, 2008 in Nashville. SUNDAY ROSE KIDMAN URBAN weighed 6 pounds, 7 1/2 ounces. Husband Keith was by Nicole's side and mother and baby are very well.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Back from the Cornfields
Back from another long weekend of driving through the cornfields. Had a very quiet 4th of July playing with munchkins and cuddling the new baby.
What did you do?
What did you do?
Thursday, July 03, 2008
No Shoes Radio
Kenny Chesney Sets Sail For XM Radio With His Own Signature Music Channel 'NoShoes Radio'
WASHINGTON, July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Midway through the year's most attended Poets & Pirates Tour, complete with 14 NFL stadium plays, the four-time consecutive and current Academy of Country Music and three-time and reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year has set his sights on XMRadio and his own signature music channel, "No Shoes Radio."
Scheduled to launch July 26, "No Shoes Radio" will feature music fromChesney's audio catalog, including never-before-heard recordings, an uncut, exclusive concert broadcast from the 2008 Poets & Pirates Tour, plus random drop-ins from fans, friends and plenty of music to bring to life the attitude that permeates Kenny Chesney's world.
"There's a lot of hits, but there are also a lot of album tracks, songs fromthe early part of my career, stuff from our Keg in the Closet shows and obscurities that you had to be there to hear," says the Luttrell, Tennessee-born and -raised singer/songwriter with a laugh. "Anyone who knows anything about me knows how passionate I am about music, and this is a way to bring people into everything I love about songs, playing ... music."
"No Shoes Radio" will also include music beyond Chesney's catalog, featuring both those artists who rocked Chesney's world and the kind of music you could easily hear drifting from the backstage "Vibe Room" -- capturing the sonic culture of the Poets & Pirates Tour.
"I think we've become a part of people's lives," admits the high energy performer. "The way a lot of bands were for us, we're what they're listening to when they're hanging out, when they're having fun, when they need to gear up for something. That's what music always did for me ... and it's kind of mind-blowing to think that your songs could be that for someone else. So for all those fans out there, get ready for something pretty cool."
In the spirit of his Corona-sponsored Poets & Pirates Tour, music and other content for "No Shoes Radio" will be captured on the bus, in the halls, around the soundchecks, and even during post-show jams. Beyond that, not only will Chesney's special guests be taking part in the ad hoc merriment, look for tailgating fans from the parking lot to provide drop-ins, shout-outs and the occasional request.
Said Chesney, "This is a way to keep the vibe alive, long after our tour is gone.""No Shoes Radio" will be available on XM channel 18 from July 26 through October 25. The channel will also be on XM Radio Online(https://xmail.xmradio.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://xmro.xmradio.com/), where it will stream for an additional three months. Complete programming information for the channel will be availableonline at https://xmail.xmradio.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.xmradio.com/kennychesney.
WASHINGTON, July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Midway through the year's most attended Poets & Pirates Tour, complete with 14 NFL stadium plays, the four-time consecutive and current Academy of Country Music and three-time and reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year has set his sights on XMRadio and his own signature music channel, "No Shoes Radio."
Scheduled to launch July 26, "No Shoes Radio" will feature music fromChesney's audio catalog, including never-before-heard recordings, an uncut, exclusive concert broadcast from the 2008 Poets & Pirates Tour, plus random drop-ins from fans, friends and plenty of music to bring to life the attitude that permeates Kenny Chesney's world.
"There's a lot of hits, but there are also a lot of album tracks, songs fromthe early part of my career, stuff from our Keg in the Closet shows and obscurities that you had to be there to hear," says the Luttrell, Tennessee-born and -raised singer/songwriter with a laugh. "Anyone who knows anything about me knows how passionate I am about music, and this is a way to bring people into everything I love about songs, playing ... music."
"No Shoes Radio" will also include music beyond Chesney's catalog, featuring both those artists who rocked Chesney's world and the kind of music you could easily hear drifting from the backstage "Vibe Room" -- capturing the sonic culture of the Poets & Pirates Tour.
"I think we've become a part of people's lives," admits the high energy performer. "The way a lot of bands were for us, we're what they're listening to when they're hanging out, when they're having fun, when they need to gear up for something. That's what music always did for me ... and it's kind of mind-blowing to think that your songs could be that for someone else. So for all those fans out there, get ready for something pretty cool."
In the spirit of his Corona-sponsored Poets & Pirates Tour, music and other content for "No Shoes Radio" will be captured on the bus, in the halls, around the soundchecks, and even during post-show jams. Beyond that, not only will Chesney's special guests be taking part in the ad hoc merriment, look for tailgating fans from the parking lot to provide drop-ins, shout-outs and the occasional request.
Said Chesney, "This is a way to keep the vibe alive, long after our tour is gone.""No Shoes Radio" will be available on XM channel 18 from July 26 through October 25. The channel will also be on XM Radio Online(https://xmail.xmradio.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://xmro.xmradio.com/), where it will stream for an additional three months. Complete programming information for the channel will be availableonline at https://xmail.xmradio.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.xmradio.com/kennychesney.
The Statler Stalking continues...
If you have been around this blog for a while you may remember my discussion of the Kennedy family. Not the political Kennedys... the musical Kennedys. The Kennedys are connected to the Reids... and without all the talent in those 2 families, I'm quite sure I'd have never been inspired to have made the journey to music city.
I spent time tonight with the Kennedys (Jerry, Gordon, and Bryan) and the Reids (Wil and Layla, Langdon and Alexis, Harold and Brenda).
As if that wasn't awesome enough -- we were at the Bluebird Cafe.
And just when it couldn't get any better... Bryan played "Cowgirl's Saddle" and dedicated it to Harold. Who roared with laughter.
I spent time tonight with the Kennedys (Jerry, Gordon, and Bryan) and the Reids (Wil and Layla, Langdon and Alexis, Harold and Brenda).
As if that wasn't awesome enough -- we were at the Bluebird Cafe.
And just when it couldn't get any better... Bryan played "Cowgirl's Saddle" and dedicated it to Harold. Who roared with laughter.
I thank God for Circles....
Monday, June 30, 2008
This is been a very...
This is been a very exciting day in Music City. I am headed out to Nashville Star. However, when I get home tonight, I am going to fill you in on my day. I went Statler Stalking! And I have an album that has my name in the liner notes -- the very first time that has happened to me, so I'm very excited! I will fill you in later tonight. Be sure to tune in to Nashville Star. listen
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Powered by Jott
Sunday, June 29, 2008
And the winner is.....
From the Big Machine Radio Report:
*Trisha Yearwood’s new single from her Top 10-selling album Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love is “They Call It Falling For A Reason”, penned by Matraca Berg & Jim Collins, and Trisha loves the tongue-in-cheek take on what falling out of love feels like.”What I love about this song is that it’s about falling flat on your face in a romance and it says that in a way that’s funny,” notes Trisha. “I love the imagery in the first line that says ‘He had me spinning like a girl in a circus in a trapeze act.’ She’s on the high wire and everything is awesome then you fall and hit the ground. It’s a great analogy. They call it falling for a reason. I thought what a great way to look at it. The energy and groove of it draws me in and makes me want to hear it again.” Fans now have the chance to hear it again and again: the single impacts playlists on July 14th.
---------------------------------------------
I suspected this would be the pick since this song garnered both male and female votes - and there was no landslide winner between the two. Will make a cool video.
BTW -- Don't bother posting this on Trisha's site... the message board Nazi will just yank it and claim it's not official -- even though it came from Big Machine. They just don't like getting scooped. ;-)
*Trisha Yearwood’s new single from her Top 10-selling album Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love is “They Call It Falling For A Reason”, penned by Matraca Berg & Jim Collins, and Trisha loves the tongue-in-cheek take on what falling out of love feels like.”What I love about this song is that it’s about falling flat on your face in a romance and it says that in a way that’s funny,” notes Trisha. “I love the imagery in the first line that says ‘He had me spinning like a girl in a circus in a trapeze act.’ She’s on the high wire and everything is awesome then you fall and hit the ground. It’s a great analogy. They call it falling for a reason. I thought what a great way to look at it. The energy and groove of it draws me in and makes me want to hear it again.” Fans now have the chance to hear it again and again: the single impacts playlists on July 14th.---------------------------------------------
I suspected this would be the pick since this song garnered both male and female votes - and there was no landslide winner between the two. Will make a cool video.
BTW -- Don't bother posting this on Trisha's site... the message board Nazi will just yank it and claim it's not official -- even though it came from Big Machine. They just don't like getting scooped. ;-)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Highway 16 Test Drive: Trisha Yearwood - RESULTS ARE IN!
Listen in Friday morning in the 8am ET hour for a Highway 16 Test Drive -- help pick the next Trisha Yearwood single!
Spread the word -- tell your friends to be listening to Jay Thomas on XM's Highway 16 (DirecTV channel 814) Friday morning! He will play both contenders, and then take YOUR feedback via email or phone, and compile it all for our friends at Big Machine Records.
Funny note... this came about because someone at Big Machine heard the Alan Jackson test drive we did yesterday morning. I LOVE getting those phone calls!
WOW -- this turned out to be our closest "Test Drive" ever.
53% of voters chose "Nothin' 'Bout You Is Good For Me" with predominantly female votes
47% of voters chose "They Call It Fallin' For A Reason" with a pretty even mix of male / female votes
Which means -- Big Machine has a tough decision to make!
Spread the word -- tell your friends to be listening to Jay Thomas on XM's Highway 16 (DirecTV channel 814) Friday morning! He will play both contenders, and then take YOUR feedback via email or phone, and compile it all for our friends at Big Machine Records.
Funny note... this came about because someone at Big Machine heard the Alan Jackson test drive we did yesterday morning. I LOVE getting those phone calls!
WOW -- this turned out to be our closest "Test Drive" ever.
53% of voters chose "Nothin' 'Bout You Is Good For Me" with predominantly female votes
47% of voters chose "They Call It Fallin' For A Reason" with a pretty even mix of male / female votes
Which means -- Big Machine has a tough decision to make!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Nashville Star Week #3
I was in the audience for Nashville Star Monday night -- six seats down from John Anderson, and the row in front of Laura Bell Bundy. I'm going to have to take Delaynie some time, because I was right in front of the circle stage where Billy Ray did a bunch of intros, and all I could think of was "I'm four rows away from Hannah Montana's daddy."
I interviewed Jewel prior to the show, and Justin after he was eliminated. (I correctly picked that one!) Try not to be jealous of the plush accomodations I enjoyed while I chatted with Jewel. You can hear clips from both interviews Thursday at 8pm ET on XM's Highway 16. We tape the show Wednesday night at 10pm local time, so it's a quick turnaround!
So here are a few things you don't see on tv:
- They've redone the audience setup from year's past. Taken out a bunch of seating, and added risers. So it's a smaller audience.
- In the commercial breaks, the judges often pull out their guitars and sing. Jewel did a song that was apparently a hit for her, Jeff did part of "What Hurts the Most," there was a sing along to "Lyin' Eyes."
- They had a sing-off in one break for tickets to the Tuesday night Opry. The two contestants from the audience sang Amazing Grace, accompanied by Jeffrey Steele. They both had more talent than some of the contestants.
- Everything was live this week -- no pre-taped special guest performance.
- Billy Ray Cyrus came out into the audience and hugged or high fived a bunch of little girls throughout the night. He knows his fan base. He also made a trip out once they announced John Anderson was there.
- Watched the show on TV tonight. It sounds so much better in person when the crowd is loud and you can't hear it. It's also hard to hear the judges in the house.
I'll go on the record as saying I think Ashlee Hewitt has the most star potential. They're going to have to develop a story on her to get the audience won over. It's tough to compete with a single dad, a sailor, or a mother of five.
BTW -- who else is dying to hear Melissa let loose on Trisha's "Real Live Woman?"
I sat behind a friend of Courtney's from Pearl Heart. Got a good story out of her that is going to make this weeks' edition of Nashville Star Radio. I also had someone tell me they'd seen Pearl Heart at the Bluebird last year. Shawn had some friends in the audience too - including a guy from South Dakota who used to own a bar she sang at.
As I type this I'm watching a re-run of Grand Ole Opry live. Crystal Gayle is singing, and she sounds fabulous. Whatever happened to the idea that old fashioned notion of getting singers who can actually sing?
One of the things I miss this year is the signs and t-shirts from the fans of a particular contestant. It's hard to tell who's got the crowd support - although in the house, Coffey and Shawn seemed to get the biggest reactions.
I interviewed Jewel prior to the show, and Justin after he was eliminated. (I correctly picked that one!) Try not to be jealous of the plush accomodations I enjoyed while I chatted with Jewel. You can hear clips from both interviews Thursday at 8pm ET on XM's Highway 16. We tape the show Wednesday night at 10pm local time, so it's a quick turnaround!
Monday, June 23, 2008
GA$ PRICE$
Once upon a time, I would load up my baby daughter and drive from Tennessee to Central Illinois. The trip took almost 3 tanks of gas round trip. A tank of gas for my Chevy Cavalier in 1998 was around $30, the trip was just under $100 round trip.
As the price of gas grew proportionally to my daughter's legs, we had to get a four door vehicle. Round trip to Central Illinois was still 3 tanks of gas, and a tank of gas for a Pontiac Grand Prix in 2005 was about $45. Trip now is still well under $150.
With longer legs comes bigger bicycles and bigger suitcases, meaning traveling to Grandparents Camp is best done in daddy's pickup truck. Round trip to Central Illinois in a Ford F-150 is 4 tanks of gas, and in 2008 they cut you off at the gas tank when you hit $75. Round trip hit $300.
I've cancelled any further thoughts of a summer vacation, and am considering leaving her bike there so I can take my car when we go pick her up. It will be cheaper to buy her a new bike!
As the price of gas grew proportionally to my daughter's legs, we had to get a four door vehicle. Round trip to Central Illinois was still 3 tanks of gas, and a tank of gas for a Pontiac Grand Prix in 2005 was about $45. Trip now is still well under $150.
With longer legs comes bigger bicycles and bigger suitcases, meaning traveling to Grandparents Camp is best done in daddy's pickup truck. Round trip to Central Illinois in a Ford F-150 is 4 tanks of gas, and in 2008 they cut you off at the gas tank when you hit $75. Round trip hit $300.
I've cancelled any further thoughts of a summer vacation, and am considering leaving her bike there so I can take my car when we go pick her up. It will be cheaper to buy her a new bike!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Just a Trace...
Sharon was eagle eyed enough to spot me in a picture from the Round Robin proceeding Trace's #1 party this week. Here's what the view looked like from where I was sitting.
Trace's wife, Rhonda, and their three girls were there -- the girls looked so adorable in their sunglasses and pigtails. Rhonda's SUV has a Trace Adkins "Hot Mama" licence plate on the front. Cracked me up.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Honey, The Dog Ate My Radio
Yeah. So, technically he didn't EAT my husband's radio, he just kind of... gnawed on the chords. Not just any radio, his XM Radio. So now it doesn't really work very well.
Which is not the end of the world. I want an in-dash unit with a CD player... so my husband can have my SkyFi 2. A trip to Best Buy and a phone call to HQ and we'll be good to go.
Except... my husband didn't tell me the dog ate his radio....until we were underway on an 8 hour journey through the cornfields.
Which is not the end of the world. I want an in-dash unit with a CD player... so my husband can have my SkyFi 2. A trip to Best Buy and a phone call to HQ and we'll be good to go.
Except... my husband didn't tell me the dog ate his radio....until we were underway on an 8 hour journey through the cornfields.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Hey Ran Fans!
Attention Miranda Lambert Fans -- this message just in from Highway 16's resident early bird, Jay Thomas:
Tomorrow morning in the 8am ET hour I’m going to be playing two cuts from Miranda’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” CD to get some feedback for Columbia Records regarding the next single. I’ll be taking calls and e-mails. Tune in and take a Highway 16 Test Drive! Exclusively on XM channel 16 and DirecTV channel 814.
Jay will have the number / email address for voting tomorrow morning, so tune in!
Tomorrow morning in the 8am ET hour I’m going to be playing two cuts from Miranda’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” CD to get some feedback for Columbia Records regarding the next single. I’ll be taking calls and e-mails. Tune in and take a Highway 16 Test Drive! Exclusively on XM channel 16 and DirecTV channel 814.
Jay will have the number / email address for voting tomorrow morning, so tune in!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Clearing the Cobwebs
I've sucked at blogging lately, I know. Thought I'd come in tonight and dust a few cobwebs off.
Nashville Star -- in person, I think Shawn Mayer looks like she could be a star. She's been playing Tootsies here in town for a while now. There are a few of the girls that really I just want to hug and say go home and be a teenager. Because they'd get eaten alive on Music Row. A couple of the guys are rather... obnoxious. Like they're afraid their 15 minutes of fame might run out any second, so they have to cram everything in right now. Melissa Lawson was definitely the one I related to most - we sat and talked about her kids -- the youngest of whom is 9 months.
Which brings me to the biggest revelation of Nashville Star radio... the contestants are SEQUESTERED. Like jurors. Cell phones taken away, no access to the internet, no contact with their family. The only way they even know if their family is in the audience is if they happen to see them from the stage. At one point, they weren't allowed to see the newspaper for a few days (probably around premiere time.) Quite honestly, I couldn't do it. This is the first year Nashville Star has done this with the contestants, and I have no idea if other reality shows do this, but I was shocked. Especially given that one of the girls is 16.
The production crew was awesome to work with though, and really went out of their way to make sure XM looked good on tape. We aren't in our new studios yet, as y'all know, so that's a bit of a bummer. But at least tune in to Monday night's show and see the XM gang on NBC. 9pm ET!
My favorite part of the show was watching Jon fret over what shirt to wear!
On the subject of reality TV, I just discovered last week that CMT is doing a little show of their own called "Can You Duet." They picked a winner last week, they get a record deal on SonyBMG. Was it just me, or did that show have zero buzz?
On a more personal note... I have a budding songwriter in the family. Delaynie has always written her own little melodies, from the time she was a toddler in the highchair and she'd hum out a tune over and over. Well last spring she and I wrote a little song together, based on that old sailor expression that my dad taught her (and me, 30 years before.)
Red Sky at Night - Sailors Delight!
Red Sky at Morning - Sailors Take Warning
It turned out pretty cute, and she recorded it acapella and sent it to my dad for Father's Day. If I could figure out how to put up MP3's here, I'd share it, because I think it's kind of neat. It's a "round the campfire" kind of songs. We made a pretty good co-writing team, so watch out!
A couple of media events on my to do list this week - including a Trace Adkins #1 party and a Toby Keith press conference. I will let you guess which one I'm excited about.
This is going to be another insane week... I'm hoping to take Thursday and Friday off (as battle pay for Fan Fair week)... I'm heading to Illinois to meet Ryan this weekend. 8 hours in a car with no air conditioning is not good, so I have to get my car worked on sometime... whenever that may be... I'm really hoping that I can talk Gary into taking Friday off and going with me. A) His truck has air B) I don't think I'm up to driving all that way alone. (Isn't it funny how you are going merrily through life, and then when some quack doctor decides something is wrong with you, their "cure" means you barely have the energy to get out of bed?) Anyway. I'm sure I'll blog from the cornfields, but the place may get dusty around here again in the meantime.
So how's your summer?
OH - which reminds me. I would like to take a vacation. I have a free Southwest plane ticket, 3 nights at a Marriott hotel and almost $500 Disney dollars. But I don't do Disney in the summer. Where should we run away to for the weekend without spending a lot of money?
The short list:
Cleveland (Delaynie's dying to go)
Niagara Falls (Gary wants to go)
Hattiesburg, MS (Gary's sister lives there)
None of that sounds exciting to me. Probably because none of them involve the ocean. Or because any of them require more energy than it takes to get out of bed. But I'd like to go explore somewhere funky and peaceful and fun. Not horribly hot or crowded. Does such a place exist?
Before heading to bed, I checked my blog stats, which I haven't done in 2 weeks. Funny batch of google searches that got people here today:
"Kelly Clarkson Pictures of Hair on Reba Duets Show" (St. Joseph, MO -- used to go there all the time to see my stepsons!)
"Carrie Underwood Love Life" (which comes up pretty much daily, however, this time is was from someone in Dubai!)
"Angela Hacker Bookings 2008" (Guessing that search didn't turn up a lot of results?)
"Sommet Center Tower XM" (Hopkinsville, KY -- come on down and see it for yourself!)
The search of the day, however, goes to the person in Ann Arbor, MI who searched "J. Smooze" and wound up at this post, reporting on an event I can't for the life of me remember attending.
Nashville Star -- in person, I think Shawn Mayer looks like she could be a star. She's been playing Tootsies here in town for a while now. There are a few of the girls that really I just want to hug and say go home and be a teenager. Because they'd get eaten alive on Music Row. A couple of the guys are rather... obnoxious. Like they're afraid their 15 minutes of fame might run out any second, so they have to cram everything in right now. Melissa Lawson was definitely the one I related to most - we sat and talked about her kids -- the youngest of whom is 9 months.
Which brings me to the biggest revelation of Nashville Star radio... the contestants are SEQUESTERED. Like jurors. Cell phones taken away, no access to the internet, no contact with their family. The only way they even know if their family is in the audience is if they happen to see them from the stage. At one point, they weren't allowed to see the newspaper for a few days (probably around premiere time.) Quite honestly, I couldn't do it. This is the first year Nashville Star has done this with the contestants, and I have no idea if other reality shows do this, but I was shocked. Especially given that one of the girls is 16.
The production crew was awesome to work with though, and really went out of their way to make sure XM looked good on tape. We aren't in our new studios yet, as y'all know, so that's a bit of a bummer. But at least tune in to Monday night's show and see the XM gang on NBC. 9pm ET!
My favorite part of the show was watching Jon fret over what shirt to wear!
On the subject of reality TV, I just discovered last week that CMT is doing a little show of their own called "Can You Duet." They picked a winner last week, they get a record deal on SonyBMG. Was it just me, or did that show have zero buzz?
On a more personal note... I have a budding songwriter in the family. Delaynie has always written her own little melodies, from the time she was a toddler in the highchair and she'd hum out a tune over and over. Well last spring she and I wrote a little song together, based on that old sailor expression that my dad taught her (and me, 30 years before.)
Red Sky at Night - Sailors Delight!
Red Sky at Morning - Sailors Take Warning
It turned out pretty cute, and she recorded it acapella and sent it to my dad for Father's Day. If I could figure out how to put up MP3's here, I'd share it, because I think it's kind of neat. It's a "round the campfire" kind of songs. We made a pretty good co-writing team, so watch out!
A couple of media events on my to do list this week - including a Trace Adkins #1 party and a Toby Keith press conference. I will let you guess which one I'm excited about.
This is going to be another insane week... I'm hoping to take Thursday and Friday off (as battle pay for Fan Fair week)... I'm heading to Illinois to meet Ryan this weekend. 8 hours in a car with no air conditioning is not good, so I have to get my car worked on sometime... whenever that may be... I'm really hoping that I can talk Gary into taking Friday off and going with me. A) His truck has air B) I don't think I'm up to driving all that way alone. (Isn't it funny how you are going merrily through life, and then when some quack doctor decides something is wrong with you, their "cure" means you barely have the energy to get out of bed?) Anyway. I'm sure I'll blog from the cornfields, but the place may get dusty around here again in the meantime.
So how's your summer?
OH - which reminds me. I would like to take a vacation. I have a free Southwest plane ticket, 3 nights at a Marriott hotel and almost $500 Disney dollars. But I don't do Disney in the summer. Where should we run away to for the weekend without spending a lot of money?
The short list:
Cleveland (Delaynie's dying to go)
Niagara Falls (Gary wants to go)
Hattiesburg, MS (Gary's sister lives there)
None of that sounds exciting to me. Probably because none of them involve the ocean. Or because any of them require more energy than it takes to get out of bed. But I'd like to go explore somewhere funky and peaceful and fun. Not horribly hot or crowded. Does such a place exist?
Before heading to bed, I checked my blog stats, which I haven't done in 2 weeks. Funny batch of google searches that got people here today:
"Kelly Clarkson Pictures of Hair on Reba Duets Show" (St. Joseph, MO -- used to go there all the time to see my stepsons!)
"Carrie Underwood Love Life" (which comes up pretty much daily, however, this time is was from someone in Dubai!)
"Angela Hacker Bookings 2008" (Guessing that search didn't turn up a lot of results?)
"Sommet Center Tower XM" (Hopkinsville, KY -- come on down and see it for yourself!)
The search of the day, however, goes to the person in Ann Arbor, MI who searched "J. Smooze" and wound up at this post, reporting on an event I can't for the life of me remember attending.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Nashville Star Radio on TONIGHT
Nashville Star Radio -- 8pm ET tonight on Highway 16
Jon Anthony and I put many many hours of our life into this show that we can never get back. The least you can do is listen. :-P Finished show is 98 minutes...
When it's over tell me what you think -- about the contestants, about the show, all of it.
Eventually (like... after I sleep?) I will fill you in on my impressions of the contestants... I've definitely picked a few faves.
i hear crickets chirping... no one listened?
Jon Anthony and I put many many hours of our life into this show that we can never get back. The least you can do is listen. :-P Finished show is 98 minutes...
When it's over tell me what you think -- about the contestants, about the show, all of it.
Eventually (like... after I sleep?) I will fill you in on my impressions of the contestants... I've definitely picked a few faves.
i hear crickets chirping... no one listened?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Nashville Star Radio on XM!
No rest for the weary!
Nashville Star Radio on XM debuts this week -- we tape the first episode tonight. This is going to give you a much more in depth look at the contestants and the process -- it's very exciting for us.
Did you watch the first episode Monday? The new home on NBC means a new set, new host, new judges - and hopefully a much bigger audience! So what did you think?
It's going to be fun to follow this show this summer!
Nashville Star Radio on XM debuts this week -- we tape the first episode tonight. This is going to give you a much more in depth look at the contestants and the process -- it's very exciting for us.
Did you watch the first episode Monday? The new home on NBC means a new set, new host, new judges - and hopefully a much bigger audience! So what did you think?
It's going to be fun to follow this show this summer!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
My Contribution to People Magazine
Backstage at LP Field last week, Keith Urban met the press. It was actually really funny, because we had a game plan when he came back. There was a tabloid reporter in the press room driving us all crazy, so a bunch of us came up with a sequence of questions so we could get the good stuff answered without her asking something stupid.I got question #3, and I asked Keith what kind of baby gifts the fans had been giving him. You can read his answer at People.com.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Is it Monday yet?
I have discovered, I'm not superwoman. Maybe I'm just getting old. This has been the most exhausting and emotionally draining CMA Music Fest ever. I didn't blog at 3am this morning while I was munching on room service because I couldn't really think of anything exciting to tell you about. I am behind on work I wanted to get done. Had to make some staffing decisions yesterday that made it easier on my psyche, but tougher on my workload. (I have a mental limit of 2 days in a row of getting my ass chewed, I needed a break.) So today, I plan to spend most of the day editing, cleaning the office, and getting caught up.
I had hoped to throw together a little post-Music Fest soiree at my place for those of you in town this weekend, but... I haven't seen my house since Wednesday, and can't be confident in what kind of state it's in. So let's get together Monday around 10:30 at the Pancake Tree.
If that doesn't work for anyone (most particularly baby Cebastian) please let me know. Delaynie and I will be there!
I get to meet the new Grascal today. I'm sure he's a great fiddler, but the real question is - can he dress like a Grascal? Their bus is parked outside... I really want to climb on board and see what Mayberry's Finest offers up for breakfast.
Will report back later. In the meantime, I've added a photo to the My Favorite Audio Blog Ever. Which, for the record, Jon has absolutely no memory of doing.
I had hoped to throw together a little post-Music Fest soiree at my place for those of you in town this weekend, but... I haven't seen my house since Wednesday, and can't be confident in what kind of state it's in. So let's get together Monday around 10:30 at the Pancake Tree.
If that doesn't work for anyone (most particularly baby Cebastian) please let me know. Delaynie and I will be there!
I get to meet the new Grascal today. I'm sure he's a great fiddler, but the real question is - can he dress like a Grascal? Their bus is parked outside... I really want to climb on board and see what Mayberry's Finest offers up for breakfast.
Will report back later. In the meantime, I've added a photo to the My Favorite Audio Blog Ever. Which, for the record, Jon has absolutely no memory of doing.
I'm back. Met Jeremy. Pleased to report that he's every bit the sharp dressed Grascal. I took a zillion pictures but never saw him smile. Definitely missing the smiling fiddler...
Saturday, June 07, 2008
06/07/08
My new nephew is a lucky little guy I think to have such a cool birthday as that! Ryan Christopher has arrived -- 5lb 6oz... I'm not able to get all the details since we're live from the Never Ending Chevy Stage, but I am eagerly awaiting photos.
Ryan is welcomed by big sister Maddie, and cousins Aidan, Andrew, and Delaynie. :-)
Happy Saturday morning,...
Happy Saturday morning, it is 3 AM. I am in my pajamas, just finished eating some cold pizza and I'm getting ready to go to bed. I experienced a whole new level of fandom(?) tonight that I'm going(?) to remember to talk about tomorrow. The whole camping out issue: People are camping at the ____ tonight, people are camping at the Convention Center tonight. I cannot comprehend this level of fandom(?). We'll talk about it tomorrow. Goodnight. listen
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Friday, June 06, 2008
You know you're out...
You know you're out late, when you come into your hotel the same time as the morning paper. 2:45 in Music City, the end of a 17 or so hour day. Interesting night at the Coliseum. I have to tell you a good Luke Brian story, and I think I've solved the Rascal Flatts' mystery. The songwriter show at the Hard Rock Cafe, I won't tell you who was there because Blogger will totally butcher their names. Then, I took Sandy and her friend Tammy on a 2 AM tour of our new offices, and now I'm back in my hotel room, ready for a couple of hours sleep. We will do it all again tomorrow! Goodnight. listen
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Thursday, June 05, 2008
Blogging from the Chevy Plaza!
Hello from the XM Broadcast Booth at the Sommet Center Plaza. We're currently in the bluegrass block of the Chevy Stage, heard live on Bluegrass Junction. Dan Tyminski is on stage. The Sommet Center is providing pockets of shade, the the crowd is moving their chairs as it moves... it's pretty funny.
Tonight I'm heading to LP Field for the backstage press conferences. On our list tonight to talk to: Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, Julianne Hough, Jewel, Sugarland, and Montgomery Gentry. On my way I'm hoping to stop by a James Otto #1 party.
No phone or internet from the lower bowels of LP Field, so I'll have to talk to you when it's over. In the meantime, go check out (and comment!) our XM blog at xmhighway16.blogspot.com
Tonight I'm heading to LP Field for the backstage press conferences. On our list tonight to talk to: Kellie Pickler, Taylor Swift, Julianne Hough, Jewel, Sugarland, and Montgomery Gentry. On my way I'm hoping to stop by a James Otto #1 party.
No phone or internet from the lower bowels of LP Field, so I'll have to talk to you when it's over. In the meantime, go check out (and comment!) our XM blog at xmhighway16.blogspot.com
My favorite audio blog EVER
To fully appreciate this blog, you must listen to the audio....(Joyce)It is one in the morning, Sandy and I are at Rippy's with the whole XM Engineering Crew including a very intoxicated... well served Jon Anthony who wants to say hello. Say hello to everybody, John.
(Jon) Hello everybody, thank goodness for Bud Light.
(Joyce)If only I had my camera here.
(Jon) And Maker's Mark Whiskey.
(Joyce) Goodnight. listen
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For the record... I was drinking diet coke.
(Jon) Hello everybody, thank goodness for Bud Light.
(Joyce)If only I had my camera here.
(Jon) And Maker's Mark Whiskey.
(Joyce) Goodnight. listen
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For the record... I was drinking diet coke.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Hey I am driving downtown...
Hey I am driving downtown and I realized that I almost forgot to tell you about a couple of very exciting thing that are happening today on Highway 16. First of all, Storming Warn(?) makes his SM debut at the top of the Chevy parade which is off the top of my head, 3:00pm Eastern. And then, we have a very special guest coming by the Chevy block party a little later in the day. I can't tell you who he or she might be. But if you are in the neighborhood you might want to come on over and be a witness to it. Otherwise be turned in the Highway 16 cos you are not gonna want to miss this. listen
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Blogging to the Power of X!
I'm recruiting Team XM to help blog our way through CMA Music Festival for those of you who can't be here in person. Check it out at xmhighway16.blogspot.com
And also keep your eye on our Music Fest Photo Gallery at highway16.xmradio.com (you have to hunt for it down on the lower right)
You only get audio blogging here though. ;-)
And also keep your eye on our Music Fest Photo Gallery at highway16.xmradio.com (you have to hunt for it down on the lower right)
You only get audio blogging here though. ;-)
11:51 in Nashville,...
Cleaned this up... although I was tempted to leave the Tuckle Bell in... (I didn't find one, for the record.) The first time I audio blogged it cut me off, so for a while there were two of these up, sorry about that.
11:51 in Nashville, Tuesday at CMA Music Festival, just out of the Grand Ole Opry. I am still awake, thankfully. Umm... what did I want to tell you. The show was great. John Conlee was fabulous, Luke Bryan very entertaining. I did not get to see Montgomery Gentry because I was tearing down our booth. I tell you what, seven and half hours out there in that heat today, just about did me in and I am trying to figure out if there is a Taco bell between the Grand Ole Opry and my house. That is my mission. Going to go home and check my e-mails. Sleep in a little bit hopefully tomorrow and then I have got to pack a suitcase and head downtown. The Chevy Parade and block party starts at 3 p.m. Eastern, 2 p.m. Nashville time. You can hear it all live on Highway 16. It's never been heard live on the radio before, so we are very excited. Tune in, don't miss it. I will be there. Hope you will be too! listen
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Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Hello, from the very...
Hello, from the very hot and sweaty Opry Plaza. The first show has started. Carrie Underwood and Montgomery Gentry are about to come on stage. We have given away a ton of XM goodies and I have seen Dave from Connecticut and Paula and JoAnn from Massachusetts. And a whole bunch of other XM fans, and of course the most popular question that I have gotten today is, "Is that merger ever gonna go through?" Having great time out here - I'm gonna go to the 9:30 show, so, I will probably talk to you after that. listen
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Monday, June 02, 2008
Happy Hell Week!
I just know the day is coming when someone from the CMA pulls me over and says..."umm Joyce... we'd really rather you didn't refer to our biggest event as 'Hell Week', ok?"
Ready or not - it's here! I have shipped my daughter off to camp, cleaned the house, and broken in new Sketchers. I even bought this ridiculously large pill box and am setting cell phone alarms to make me take all my meds this week (which would work better if I could A) find one of my meds that I'm missing and B)figure out which med is making me nautious when I do take it.) Feel free to ask if I've been drugged lately when you see me.
I've also prepped ridiculous amounts of note cards for our air talent this week and stuffed hundreds of goodie bags. At some point, I move downtown, which I haven't yet packed for, but I don't think that happens for a couple more days.
My first event today is a Gretchen Wilson graduation party, and my day ends with a Pizza & Planning meeting in our new offices.
Probably lots of audio blogging from here on out! Will check in as I can.
Ready or not - it's here! I have shipped my daughter off to camp, cleaned the house, and broken in new Sketchers. I even bought this ridiculously large pill box and am setting cell phone alarms to make me take all my meds this week (which would work better if I could A) find one of my meds that I'm missing and B)figure out which med is making me nautious when I do take it.) Feel free to ask if I've been drugged lately when you see me.
I've also prepped ridiculous amounts of note cards for our air talent this week and stuffed hundreds of goodie bags. At some point, I move downtown, which I haven't yet packed for, but I don't think that happens for a couple more days.
My first event today is a Gretchen Wilson graduation party, and my day ends with a Pizza & Planning meeting in our new offices.
Probably lots of audio blogging from here on out! Will check in as I can.
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