weekly July 3, 2023, Issue 865
Country’s Roads Paved In Gold
More than 30 industry pros weighed in for The Live Issue – Country Aircheck’s July print edition – and the verdict is in: “It’s a gold rush,” UTA’s Curt Motley says, pointing to a recent Knoxville show. “The artist did three times what they’ve ever done. Nothing new has happened – no new music, but it was phenomenal.” From stadiums to smaller venues, country is having a moment in the live entertainment marketplace. “In 26 years, I’ve never seen it healthier,” says WME/Nashville’s Jay Williams. “All the way down to the club level, it’s more stable and predictable.” Understanding the depth and breadth of country’s touring strength starts with the audience’s unlimited access to music and the blurring of boundaries. “You can segment the country audience a thousand different ways,” says AEG’s Adam Weiser. “Every artist path is so individualized, which makes it less formulaic.” Once radio-dominated, the formula may have decentralized, but broadcasters still have a significant role to play. “I actually had an artist who is doing millions of streams say to me, ‘I can’t be the next Kenny Chesney without radio,’” WWKA/Orlando’s Steve Stewart says. “If stadiums are the goal, that’s probably true.” Hall Game: Speaking of goals, the incoming Country Radio Hall of Famers probably didn’t have induction in their sights early on. “It was too big to even dream,” says Trish Biondo. Fellow inductee John Willyard says, “You’re isolated in a cocoon in your studio. It’s not until you get out and chat with people that you realize the impact you have.” The late Wade Jessen’s spouse Corey Jones says, “I know he would be extremely touched by this honor.” (continued on page 7)
In Order To Form A More Neon Union: Red Street’s Neon Union at WCOL/Columbus’ Red, White & Country. Pictured (l-r) are the label’s Emily Bermann, the station’s Dan E. Zuko and Joe Kelly and the duo’s Andrew Millsaps and Leo Brooks.
Deaton on CMAF Show
The two-hour ABC telecast of CMA Fest airs July 19, and Exec. Producer Robert Deaton says the show celebrates the event’s 50th year by balancing its legacy with its future. CA: How do you distill four stadium concerts into one TV special? RD: We don’t film everything. I go in with an idea of what we need to have on television. We will shoot and capture the TV song and one additional song as a backup. I did start shooting extra performances on everybody once the Robert Deaton storms came in on Sunday. And, if I see an artist getting really lathered up, we keep filming. I recall doing that one year when I saw Keith Urban was really in a groove.
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