Industry Updates (2/24/12)

Unsigned Only Music Competition

The newly launched Unsigned Only Music Competition is setting out to find talent. The competition’s judging panel includes Kenny Rogers, Kelly Clarkson, Cyndi Lauper, Craig Morgan, Angie Stone, 3 Doors Down, Jeremy Camp and Aaron Shust and more.

Mentors include Monte Lipman (President of Universal Republic); Pete Ganbarg (Executive Vice President/Head of A&R, Atlantic Records); David Wolter (Senior VP of A&R, RCA Records); Kim Stephens (President, Forward Entertainment and A&R/Capitol Music Group); Trevor Jerideau (VP of A&R, RCA Records); and Pete Giberga (Head of A&R, Razor & Tie Records) and more.

Entries are being accepted until March 5; must be original music except for the Vocal Performance category. Unsigned Only was created by The founders of International Songwriting Competition, Jim Morgan and Candace Avery. For more details click here.

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ASCAP Honors George Strait at UMG’s CRS Lunch

(L-R) Marc Driskill, George Strait Photo: Peyton Hoge

Vice President and General Manager of ASCAP Nashville, Marc Driskill presented George Strait with a guitar and plaque commemorating the superstar’s first No. 1 hit as a songwriter for “Here For A Good Time” during the UMG luncheon show at CRS this Wed (Feb. 22).

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CMA’s Complementary “Year of Radio” Memberships

The CMA is expanding its current 6,400 members this year by awarding year-long complimentary organizational memberships to all 2,033 country radio stations in the U.S. (valued at $200 each). In addition, PD’s and GM’s from each station will receive individual memberships (valued at $100 each).

CMA will send membership kits to stations this week including details of membership for medical insurance, telecommunications discounts, research and the ability to vote for the CMA Awards. Any current CMA radio member will be given an additional year of membership in the organization.

“Country radio professionals are among our best ambassadors and it is important for CMA to recognize their outstanding contributions to the Country Music format and make the vast resources of CMA available to support their efforts,” said CEO Steve Moore.

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Carter Twins Form Kingston; Make Nashville Debut

Kingston

Josh and Zach Carter, previously of the Carter Twins, debuted their new duo project called Kingston with a six-song set at 12^th & Porter this week during CRS, inviting both fans and industry alike.

The new country duo performed several brand new tracks, including their new single “Dear Someone,” which will have a music video debuting within the next few weeks.

A copy of the duo’s EP was handed to the audience as they left.

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Flying Island at CRS

(L-R) Back: Coy Taylor (artist), Bonita Allen (FIE promo), Shooter Jennings (artist), Bucky Covington (artist), Gwen Sebastian (artist), Ty Herndon (artist) and Nancy Eckert, (FIE head). Middle: Jill Tomalty (FIE promo), Amber Hayes (artist), Levi Riggs (artist), Shelia Shipley (FIE promo). Kneeling: Brian Fee (FIE promo), Louis Newman (FIE head)

Flying Island Entertainment welcomed CRS attendees and their artists to Nashville on Feb. 21 at Rippy’s downtown with a karaoke contest.

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Anchor Down Signing

(L-R) Dan Hodges (Dan Hodges Music), Roger Springer and Anthony Corder (GM, Anchor Down)

Anchor Down Entertainment Welcomes Roger Springer to the roster, co-writer of releases by Mark Chesnutt (“I Might Even Quit Lovin’ You,” “It’s a Little Too Late,” “Let It Rain,” “Thank God for Believers”), Sammy Kershaw (“Matches”) and Love and Theft (“Dancing in Circles”).