Bellomy Bros. Attorney Issues Statement Regarding Britney Spears

Bellamy Bros. Attorney Issues Statement Regarding Britney Spears

Today, attorney Christopher E. Schmidt, legal representation to country music's the Bellamy Brothers, released the following statement in response to pending legal action against pop star Britney Spears:

The Bellamy Brothers have been artists, in the true sense of the word, with over 50 hit songs; more than 20 of those songs reaching the No. 1 position in the country charts over the past 35 years. The music business has given them the rare opportunity to enjoy making a living writing and playing music all over the world. Even though David and Howard are some of the nicest and most down to earth guys you will ever meet, they are also smart and experienced businessmen. So naturally, David asked me for my legal opinion of whether or not the Britney Spears recent single "Hold It Against Me" infringed on the copyright of their song "If I said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me" that David wrote in 1979.

In my opinion, it is not necessarily the similarity of the titles that is of legal concern. This would be more of a trademark issue. Rather, the issue is whether or not the exact lyrics "would you hold it against me" are used in the same way in the hook of the song. It becomes somewhat uncanny if you simply double the beat of the Bellamy Brothers’ song and match it up with Britney's version. Literally thousands of fans for both artists have also taken notice. They are scratching their heads questioning whether or not Britney’s song "lifted" part of the song previously written by David Bellamy. But for me, the scale tips substantially in knowing that Dr. Luke not only co-produced Britney's song with Max Martin, but that Dr. Luke also co-wrote the song with Max Martin and others. This isn't the first time Max Martin and Dr. Luke have been accused of copyright infringement.

Dr. Luke was sued in 2007 for copyright infringement along with Avril Lavigne and her record label for “lifting” portions of Avril's hit song "Girlfriend." The suit subsequently settled in 2008. There is also a current Katy Perry song that features Snoop Dogg called "California Gurls" produced and co-written by Dr. Luke and Max Martin (among other writers, including Katy Perry) where The Beach Boys' record label has filed a diminutive claim against the writers and publishers of the song for credit and royalties. Dr. Luke was party to yet another copyright infringement suit in 2008 for the song "Feels Like Tonight" by Daughtry. Although this is not conclusive evidence that Dr. Luke intentionally lifted a phrase from a Bellamy Brothers song, it certainly shows a possible pattern and warrants a more serious look into the matter.

As a transactional attorney primarily focusing on managing my clients' careers and protecting their intellectual property, I had a duty to bring in the heavyweights to help us further evaluate the situation. I put a call in to Daniel Moskowitz who is a friend and colleague with the Nashville law firm King & Ballow. Daniel had mentioned to me before that one of the partners in the litigation section of his firm, Richard Busch, had won a multi-million dollar suit against Universal/Aftermath Records for Eminem. Richard also received a jury award of over four million dollars for his clients against Bad Boy Records. Most importantly, I recalled Daniel telling me that Richard recently established new precedence regarding copyright infringement in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit when the court affirmed a ruling that copyright infringement may occur by the copying of a single common word such as "Dog," if the alleged infringer uses that word in the new composition in the same way as it was used in the original musical composition.

This past week, the Bellamy Brothers and I met with Richard Busch to engage his services and handle this matter appropriately. Richard has submitted the two songs to a renowned musicologist for evaluation and expert opinion. From here, it is just a matter of trying to work things out amicably with everyone involved.

Christopher E. Schmidt, Esq.
Nashville, TN

Fame Launches Online Series, "Songwriters of FAME"

FAME Launches Online Series, “Songwriters of FAME"

February is packed with new endeavors from FAME Music including a new online video series called "Songwriters of FAME." The first episodes in the series feature FAME songwriting veteran, Brad Crisler, AND one lucky viewer could WIN a private thirty-minute mentoring session with FAME Publishing Creative Director Steve Williams just for watching and sharing. This month FAME also releases Don't Waste Your Pretty from “Nashville Star” Winner and FAME singer/songwriter, Angela Hacker. This revealing collection of songs was recorded at the historic FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala. The album exudes the same soulful spirit that has become synonymous with the landmark Alabama studio.

Crisler is the first of FAME’s songwriters to be featured in "Songwriters of FAME," which will give viewers a behind the scenes look at the recording industry as well as the life of a songwriter. To win the mentoring session, viewers of the video can enter to receive a personalized URL to share the video with their friends. They can post the link on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or email it to their friends. The person who gets the most people to watch “Songwriters of FAME” through that personal link will win! Visit, www.fame2.com/writers1/ to watch, share and win.

Filled with decades of personal stories and experiences, “Songwriters of FAME” will give fans and aspiring musicians a glimpse of the creative process by a pro! Future episodes will feature other FAME artists including: James LeBlanc, Jason Isbell, Gary Nichols, Dylan LeBlanc and more.

Crisler’s most recent cut, “Raymond,” by Warner Bros. recording artist Brett Eldredge, has entered the Top 30 and is climbing the charts. Crisler has cuts on new albums by Trace Adkins, Ronnie Dunn, Marty Raybon, Heartland, DHT and Sara Darling and has also had cuts by Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts and more. Crisler also continues to lend his production skills to other artists such as Christina Bell and Megan James as well as, FAME artists James Leblanc and Angela Hacker. Crisler's solo debut album "Chameleon Room" is out now.

Hacker's new album, Don’t Waste Your Pretty, was produced by Crisler and FAME’s Rodney Hall and Rick Hall. The reflective record starts off with the "woman done wrong" foot-stomper, “Nothin’ On My Pain.” It then slips into the soaring duet “I Ain’t Easy to Love” before settling into the catchy title track “Don’t Waste Your Pretty.” This spring, Hacker is hitting the road with FAME singer/songwriter James LeBlanc. She and LeBlanc collaborated on a ballad for Don’t Waste Your Pretty called “These Walls.”

Fans can receive a FREE download of Hacker's "I Ain’t Easy to Love" from her new album when they sign up to receive FAME Music's newsletter. Visit www.fame2.com to get the free download today.

For more information about "Songwriters of FAME," Brad Crisler, Angela Hacker and FAME Studios, please visit www.fame2.com. 

FEBRUARY - MARCH EVENTS

FEBRUARY 5TH              CENTER, TX 

Kasey Lansdale presents Songwriter 101 Workshop with Grammy Nominee recording artist and NSAI songwriter Roxie Dean.

Center, TX – Singer, songwriter Kasey Lansdale will host a three hour workshop designed to give performers and songwriters a unique learning experience opportunity to work with one of Nashville’s most respected singer/songwriters, Grammy Nominee, Roxie Dean.

Dean’s songwriting career includes a 2001 Nashville Songwriters Association International "Top 10 Songs That You Wish You’d Written" award for "Why They Call It Falling,” and a Grammy nomination for co-writing "When I think about Angels.”

Dean’s songwriting credits also include cuts by Reba McEntire, Tracy Lawrence, Chely Wright, Tammy Cochran, Jolie Edwards, and Tamara Walker to name a few.

Songwriters at all levels will benefit from the critiques and experience of working with Dean.

Topics would include but are not limited to:

·         Song Critique

·         Copyrights and Publishing

·         Fine-tuning your Songwriting Craft

·         Preparing your Songs for a Demo Recording

·         Understanding what publishing companies are looking for

·         The art of the “Co-Write”

·         Song Structure, and when you can “break the rules”

Learn the tips and tricks of the professionals in the fast paced careers of singing and songwriting by attending the Stage Performance/Songwriter 101 workshop

at the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, 619 Tenaha Street , Center TX (936) 598-5522. Advance reservations are recommended and workshop fees are $125 per person. For more information and to make reservations, please contact Kasey Lansdale at 936.552.4930 or info@kaseylansdale.com

All workshop attendants will receive a FREE pass into the acoustic performance of Roxie Dean and Kasey Lansdale for the evening of the Workshop.

All others interested in the performance only, please contact info@kaseylansdale.com

NEW MUSIC SEMINAR REGISTRANTS CAN WIN FREE GUITAR

If you're looking to get signed as an artist, this year's New Music Seminar invites you to come hear the presidents of the indie and major labels explain how. It's all happening in Los Angeles, Feb. 14-16th. Attendees will see twenty-two 18-minute presentations from the CEO's of the top companies talking about how they seek and sign new talent. Attendees can also visit one-on-one with 24 mentors at the NMS Mentoring Sessions or the Songwriting, Voice and Producer Workshops. As a special incentive, the NMS is giving away one beautiful Epiphone guitar inspired by John Lennon, retail value $1,666. Go to NewMusicSeminar.com and register. Save $50 and get the 2 for 1 discount by entering secret code NMSLASE2322 when you select the Partner's Discount tab on the registration page.

EIGHT-TRACK MUSEUM OPENS ITS DOORS

Celebrating the colossal "ka-chunk" of the once popular eight track tape experience is The Eight Track Museum in Dallas, TX, conceived and realized by visionary cultural provocateur and the world's first "formatician" Bucks Burnett. It will be open for visitors on a regular basis starting Wednesday, Feb. 16th. Check out a video tour of The Eight Track Museum: youtube.com/watch?v=UDueID5krPY.

Don't Miss The New Music Seminar!

Do you want to get signed or make it on your own? Come hear the Presidents of the Indies and Major Labels talk about what they are looking for and how that is changing in the new world! Do you want greater exposure and more money as an artist, manager, label or agent? See the 22-18 minute presentations from the CEO’s of the leaders of the new music business show you how! Visit one on one with 24 mentors at the NMS Mentoring Sessions or the Songwriting, Voice and Producer’ Workshops. Find your next business partner! Network with over 80 of the top CEO’s and luminaries speaking at the New Music Seminar in Los Angeles February 14-16, 2011.

For the complete information and to register, go to www.NewMusicSeminar.com. 

Urban Music Perspectives: From Gospel to Hip Hop

Join AMF & Another Option Productions and some of the most well-known names in Austin's urban music scene for a three-part primer on important issues facing DIY artists trying to make their way in the music business and jump start their careers. All events are FREE to attend and open to the public.  Please register to attend the legal seminar. Ready for Radio Every artist wants to hear their music on the air. Learn from industry insiders regarding the current state of terrestrial radio, how to gain the attention of station directors, and how to reach fans over the airwaves.  Tuesday, February 15     7:00 pm Victory Grill   1104 East 11th St Panelists:  Steve Savage - KAZI Zannie K - 102.3 The Beat Marion Nickerson - KAZI Leah Manners - 91.7 KOOP (moderator) Showtime: Where Creativity and Commerce Meet Three Austin hip-hop artists discuss identifying a niche, developing an artist's brand, and how to make money from one's creative talent.  Learn how professionalism, relationships and consistency are integral to being taken seriously and forging a successful career as an artist.    Monday, February 21 7:00 pm Victory Grill 1104 East 11th St Panelists:   Tee Double - artist Ter'ell Shahid - artist SaulPaul - artist Marc Fort - Texas Music Office (moderator) Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset - Your Art Do you have a clear understanding of ownership rights when it comes to your music?  Attorney Charles Medearis discusses legal issues surrounding copyright, sampling, and the producer-artist relationship.    Thursday, February 24 7:00 pm   Victory Grill  1104 East 11th St  To register for this legal seminar, please email kim@austinmusicfoundation.org.  (No registration is needed for the other two events; just show up!)

Multi-Media Performances Close Out From Gospel to Hip Hop Series

The month-long Urban Music Perspectives: from Gospel to Hip Hop workshop series concludes with live performances at the historic George Washington Carver's Boyd Vance Theatre. The program will chronicle the evolution of gospel music to hip hop through a variety of multimedia presentations, dance and live performances by local Austin artists. Saturday, February 25 7:00 pm George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center 1165 Angelina Street Boyd Vance Theatre FREE to attend Music has powered and inspired African-American culture through the best and worst of times; from the gritty passionate blues, the soul-lifting gospel of the church, the ardent improvisation of jazz to the harmonious dynamism of R & B and hip hop. Urban music has inspired the world and opened people's eyes to the profound richness and history of African-Americans' beautiful culture. Gospel to Hip Hop in will move, groove and make you lose yourself within the music, and when you find yourself you will be inspired to make some music of your own.

Austin Chronicle Music Poll

Voting Deadline:  Monday, January 31 Austin wouldn't be what it is without Austin music but Austin music would be what it is without Austin people. That is why you are encouraged to vote for your favorites in the 2010-2011 Music Poll!  Vote for your favorite band, song, album, musicians and more! Additionally, you can vote for who you think should be inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame!  Use the paper ballot in the current issue of the Chronicle or vote online at www.austinchronicle.com/musicpoll.

BMI Live

BMI LIVE PROGRAM ENABLES PERFORMING SONGWRITERS TO REGISTER LIVE CONCERTS FOR ROYALTY PAYMENTS BMI has launched BMI Live, a program enabling songwriters to register their concerts and set lists online to be considered for payment in live music venues, regardless of size. To qualify, BMI performing songwriters need to enter their live musical performances on BMI's website, www.bmi.com.  BMI will pay royalties to both writers and publishers via direct deposit in its June distribution for performances occurring from July 1 through December 31, 2010. Concert performances eligible for the June royalty distribution must be entered on www.bmi.com by March 31, 2011. The distribution from BMI Live will be made quarterly after this initial June 2011 launch. The program is designed to ensure that performing songwriters in all stages of their careers receive payment for concerts in settings of all sizes, from coffee shops to football stadiums. Available only online, BMI Live is an on-going program that allows songwriters to input up to six months of their performance data.  Songwriters may input their tour information at their convenience for concerts from the previous six months and receive these royalty payments either quarterly or semi-annually.  Both headliners and opening acts may input tour information, and the program is open to all BMI affiliates.

NSAI HOUSTON HAPPENINGS

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13^TH, 6:00PM                NSAI CLEAR LAKE/SOUTH HOUSTON MONTHLY WORKSHOP & ROUNDS

Location:         Sudie’s Seafood House            352 N. Gulf Freeway, League City, TX 77573

Time:   6:00-9:00pm

This is our first time at Sudie’s, so we’re looking for all the talented songwriters in the NASA/South Houston area to come out and support our new venue partner.  There will be a short program, group critique and performance rounds.  Contact NSAI Coordinator Larry Whitehair at 281.630.6599 for more information and to grab a spot in one of the rounds!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19^TH, 1:00PM            SPECIAL EVENT: “A SONGWRITERS’ SEMINAR” with KIM COPELAND & SUSAN TUCKER

Location:         Habitat House 10037 Hazelhurst,  Houston, TX 77080

Time: 1:00-5:00pm

Cost:  $25.00 Reservations required. Limited seating.

Nashville publisher/author, Susan Tucker and independent producer Kim Copeland will be in Houston on Feb. 19 to conduct a songwriters’ business and recording seminar.  Kim will talk not only about the quality of demos that the hit songwriters are pitching, but will give you ideas on how to get as close to pro quality as your budget will allow.  And to give you an insider’s view on what A&R and producers look for in songs, Kim will also share her process in looking for the "right" songs for an artist’s album. Susan Tucker will share her insights and experiences in pitching songs to the Nashville market.  She will answer your questions about songpluggers, pitching, demos and song contracts.  Bring lots of note paper! They will bury you in information!  Private consultations are available at $85/hour. Click here to reserve your seat, or to book a private consultation with these two talented women! (A separate event flyer with more information will be following this email).

Bios on Kim & Susan:

Kim Copeland is a highly respected and successful Nashville songwriter and producer. Her reputation as a gifted song troubleshooter has made her one of the most sought-after speakers, consultants and songwriting instructors in the country for organizations including TAXI, The Songwriters Connection and the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Her own songs have been recorded by artists in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and she has released two albums of her own. Her education and background as a vocalist have helped her become one of the city's most respected vocal arrangers.  Her long association with the cream of the Nashville music business has given her access to the city's best musicians, engineers and studios, and her projects continually draw accolades. A visible part of the Nashville scene, she continues to take part in writers' nights at local spots like the legendary Bluebird Cafe, and as part of showcases in other cities.

Susan Tucker is the force behind Sage House Music in Nashville, and has authored two books on songwriting, “The Soul of a Writer” and “The Secrets of Songwriting”. She partners with Kim Copeland Productions in the management and marketing behind emerging artist Rachel Williams and other talented songwriters and recording artists. She publishes a weekly e-zine called “The Songwriters Connection”.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27^TH       NSAI SUNDAY SONGSWAP & OPEN MIC

Location:         JP Hops House 2317 S. Hwy 6, Houston, TX 77077

Time:   4:00-6:00pm   Songswap- informal gathering of area songwriters to share their songs with fellow writers. Everyone, every genre is welcomed. Followed by Open Mic at 6:00pm. Facilitators include Tina Allen, Mitch Tiffin and Leslie Krafka. Contact Tina for more information at allen.tina30@yahoo.com

NASHVILLE HAPPENINGS 

Bluebird Café Writer’s Night Audition (Feb. 13th) & Registration (Jan. 28th)

The next quarterly Bluebird Café Writers’ Night auditions will be held at 10:45 AM on Sunday, Feb 13, 2011 at The Bluebird Café.
 To be eligible to audition you must either live within 100 miles of Nashville or be a member of NSAI.
 To participate in the audition process you must register on line in advance. We will begin taking registrations at 11 AM on FRI, JAN 28.

 We only accept the first 65 registrants. The list fills up very quickly. If you're not logged on right at 11 am you will probably not get through fast enough.

 Log onto www.bluebirdcafe.com and click the "Play the Bluebird" link. Scroll down to the Sunday Writers Night section where you will find information about the audition and the link that takes you to the registration page.   Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirmation and further information regarding the actual audition on Feb 13.

Spring Training Event April 1 & 2:  Held at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, this 2-day interactive seminar combines the best of large- and small-group settings for writers of all ages and experience levels.  Professional songwriter panels, powerhouse educational segments – not to mention the ever-popular publisher pitch sessions – are all designed to give you a crash course in the craft and business of songwriting.  2011 also marks the 1st year of Hitsville at Spring Training. NSAI has partnered with ole, one of the world's largest independent music publishers with offices in Toronto, Nashville and Los Angeles, to offer YOU the chance to leave Spring Training with a Single Song Publishing contract IN HAND! Every attendee is eligible to participate. This is going to be a great event!

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival March 29-April 2

The 19th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is set for March 29 – April 2, 2011 in Nashville, TN. For more information, go to http://tinpansouth.com

*Note:  If you are interested in attending Spring Training and/or Tin Pan South this year, let us know. We’re trying to create some carpools of Texas writers wanting to soak it all in that week. If you’re looking to save some travel costs, let us know and we’ll hook you up with folks that are confirmed as going and may be interested in splitting gas money.  Click here to put your name on the board as a willing traveler!

March 24-27 Songcrafting Seminars 

presents:   RIVERS RUTHERFORD

Rivers Rutherford will be once again holding a 3 day seminar  

here in the Nashville area.

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e3b2o1u8bb5c93c5&llr=pauirfdab

Imagine spending time with Rivers in a casual,relaxed and beautiful setting in the woods - while listening to him talk about what it means to be a great songwriter.

Hear him speak about his personal process

his thoughts on the business and where it's going and then

partake in co-writing sessions under his astute supervision -

for 3 solid days - while wining and dining on some of the best

italian food you could possibly imagine... all prepared for you

right here on the premises by Claudia and her staff. the open

kitchen becomes an equally creative element for you to both

experience and remember...

Rivers Rutherford...

After moving to Nashville in 1993, Rivers quickly found his place in the  

world as an entertainer, studio guitar player and songwriter. In 1996,  

Rivers signed with Universal Music Publishing and remains with the  

company today. Artists, including Gretchen Wilson, Gary Allan, Faith  

Hill, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny  

Chesney, Brad Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Trick Pony,  

Blake Shelton, Deana Carter, Montgomery Gentry, Clay Davidson,  

Jamie O'Neal and Andy Griggs have since recorded River's songs.

Rutherford claimed his first #1 hit, "Aint Nothin' 'Bout You", in 2001.  

The song spent six weeks at number one and is to date the most  

successful single ever recorded by Brooks & Dunn. Rutherford was  

honored by ASCAP and received their Song of the Year Award in 2002.  

Since the smash hit with Brooks & Dunn, Rivers has accomplished  

TEN more #1 singles: Tim McGraw's "Real Good Man"; Montgomery  

Gentry's first #1, "If You Ever Stop Loving Me", which he also produced;  

Gretchen Wilson's "Homewrecker"; Brad Paisley's duet with Dolly  

Parton, "When I Get Where I'm Going" (which has received both the  

ACM and CMA nomination for Song of the Year), Kenny Chesney's  

"Livin' In Fast  Forward", Rodney Atkins "These Are My People" and  

Trace Adkins "Ladies Love Country Boys".

ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year trophy for 2006 was shared between  

Brett James and Rivers Rutherford.

GUITAR SHOW    www.TXshows.com

     Amigo Nashville Guitar Show 2011

    Factory at Franklin/February 19-20

                     4 Amigos

   Austin Guitar Show/SXSW Weekend

      Austin Conv Ctr/March  18-19

                    4 Amigos

March 20th, Pickin For The Record at the Texas State Capitol.

Be a Part of the Largest Guitar Jam Ever 

and an Afternoon of Pickin', BBQ, Record Breakin' & Troop Support on the last day of SXSW at the Capitol!

Let's Bring the Largest Guitar Ensemble Record Back to Texas Sunday March 20th at the Texas State Capitol and to Raise Funds for Soldiers and Vets that NEED A Hand.

Pickin' for the Record II - Sunday, March 20, 2011 a Great Day for Music at The Texas State Capitol in Austin on the last day of SXSW.

Click here for the video PSA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NzJWh2w72I

BE A PART OF TEXAS MUSIC HISTORY AND REGISTER NOW!
http://voicesofagratefulnation.org/picker

The Pickin' Record Resides Now in Poland? Yes, Poland - So Grab Your Guitar and Register. We've recently discovered that our record has since been broken by 6,346 guitarists in Wroclaw, Poland. With the support and urging of Casey Monahan, the Director of the Governor's Texas Music Office, we've accepted the challenge to bring that record back home to Texas on Sunday, March 20th on the South Steps of the State Capitol! WE ARE CALLING FOR 8000 PICKERS.

The music starts at 1:00 until 4:00! The record breaking songs will be around 3p.m. Proceeds from your registration fees benefit Welcome Home Project, Soldiers Angels and the Yamaha Music and Wellness programs for returning veterans. For more information go to www.voicesofagratefulnation.org

44 Texas born-or-based acts receive a total of 55 GRAMMY nominations

For a list of all nominees, please visit: http://www.grammy.com/nominees


The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences 
53rd Annual GRAMMY® Awards
Watch ON CBS 8PM ET/PT, FEBRUARY 13

For recordings released during the Eligibility Year September 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010.

Compiled by Casey Monahan, Stephen Ray, Amber LaFrance, Katelyn Orr, and Ambika Singh

Arcade Fire (The Woodlands)

-Album of the Year for The Suburbs (Merge)

-Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for Ready to Start (Merge)

-Best Alternative Music Album for The Suburbs (Merge)

ARS Lyrica Houston (Houston)

-Best Opera Recording for Hasse: Marc' Antonio E Cleopatra (Dorian Sono Luminus)

Devendra Banhart (Houston)

-Best Recording Package for What Will We Be (with Jon Beasley) (Warner Bros.)

Joseph Banowetz (Denton)
-Best Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (with Orchestra) for Kletzki: Piano Concerto In D Minor, Op. 22 (Naxos)

John Beasley (Denton)

-Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual of Group for Positootly! (Resonance)

Beyoncé  (Houston)

-Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for Halo(Live) (Columbia/Music World Music)

-Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for Telephone (with Lady GaGa) (Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope)

Ryan Bingham (Austin)

-Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for The Weary Kind with T Bone Burnett (New West)

Carol Burnett (San Antonio)
-Best Spoken Word Album for This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection (Random House Audio)

T Bone Burnett (Fort Worth)
-Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for Crazy Heart (New West)
-Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for The Weary Kind with Ryan Bingham (New West)

Guy Clark (Monahans)
-Best Contemporary Folk Album for Somedays the Song Writes You (Dualtone)

James Cotton (Austin)
-Best Traditional Blues Album for Giant (Alligator)

David Crowder Band (Waco)
-Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for Church Music (Sparrow/Sixsteprecords)

Steve Earle (San Antonio)
-Best Song Written For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for This City (Geffen)

Roky Erickson with Okkervil River (Austin)

-Best Album Notes for True Love Cast Out All Evil (ANTI-)

Patty Griffin (Austin)

-Best Traditional Gospel Album for Downtown Church (Credential Recordings)

El Güero Y Su Banda Centenario (San Antonio)

-Best Banda Album for Enamórate De Mí (A.R.C. Discos)

Grupo Fantasma (Austin)
-Best Latin Rock, Alternative or Urban Album for El Existential (Nat Geo Music)

Ty Herndon  (Dallas)

-Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for Journey On (FUNL Music)

Sara Hickman (Austin)

- Best Spoken Word Album for Children Healthy Food For Thought: Good Enough To Eat

     (Hickman contributed two selections) (East Coast Recording Company)

Buddy Holly (Lubbock)

-Best Historical Album for Not Fade Away: The Complete Studio Recordings and More (Ume/Hip-O Select/Geffen)

Intocable (Zapata)

-Best Norteño Album for Classic (Sony Music Latin)

Israel Houghton (Houston)

-Best Gospel Performance for You Hold My World (Integrity Music)

-Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for Love God, Love People (Integrity Music)

Jewel (Stephenville)

-Best Female Country Vocal Performance for Satisfied (The Valory Music Company)

Norah Jones (Dallas)

-Best Female Vocal Pop Performance for Chasing Pirates (Blue Note)

Miranda Lambert (Lindale)

-Song of the Year for The House That Built Me (Columbia)

-Best Female Country Vocal Performance for The House That Built Me (Columbia)

-Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for Bad Angel (with Dierks Bentley and Jamey Johnson) (Capitol Records Nashville)

-Best Country Song for The House That Built Me (Columbia)

-Best Country Album for Revolution (Columbia)

Lecrae (Dallas)

-Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for Rehab (Reach)

Little Joe Y La Familia (Temple)

-Best Tejano Album for Recuerdos (TDI)

Alan Lomax (Austin)

-Best Album Notes for Alan Lomax in Haiti: Recordings for the Library of Congress, 1936-1937 (Harte Recordings)
-Best Historical Album for Alan Lomax in Haiti: Recordings for the Library of Congress, 1936-1937 (Harte Recordings)

Johnny Mathis (Gilmer)

-Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Let It Be Me: Mathis in Nashville (Columbia)

Juan P. Moreno (Houston)

-Best Tejano Album for Sabes Bien (Q-Vo)

Willie Nelson (Austin)

-Best Americana Album for Country Music (Rounder)

Pinetop Perkins (Austin)

-Best Traditional Blues Album for Joined at the Hip (with Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith) (Telarc)

Joe Posada (San Antonio)

-Best Tejano Album for In The Pocket (Baby Dude)

LeAnn Rimes (Dallas)

-Best Female Country Vocal Performance for Swingin (Curb)

Poncho Sanchez (Laredo)

-Best Latin Jazz Album for Psychedelic Blues (Concord Picante)

Sunny Sauceda Y Todo Eso (San Antonio)

-Best Tejano Album for Homenaje A Mi Padre (Solstice)

Allen Shamblin (Austin)

-Song of the Year for The House That Built Me with Tom Douglas (Columbia)

-Best Country Song for The House That Built Me with Tom Douglas (Columbia)

Esperanza Spalding (Austin)

-Best New Artist

George Strait (San Antonio)

-Best Country Song for The Breath You Take (MCA Nashville)

Chris Tomlin (Austin)

-Best Gospel Song for Our God (Sparrow)

Tortilla Factory (Austin)

-Best Tejano Album for Cookin (Tortilla)

Jimmie Vaughan (Austin)

-Best Traditional Blues Album for Plays Blues Ballads and Favorites (Shout! Factory)

Cedric Watson et Bijou Créole (San Felipe)

-Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album for Creole Moon: Live At The Blue Moon Saloon (Valcour)

Kirk Whalum (Houston)

-Best Pop Instrumental Album for Everything is Everything: The Music of Donny Hathaway (Rendezvous Music/Mack Avenue)

-Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for We’re Still Friends (with Musiq Soulchild) (Rendezvous Music/Mack Avenue)

-Best Gospel Performance for He’s Just Been That Good (with Lalah Hathaway) (Rendezvous Music/Mack Avenue)

-Best Gospel Song for It’s What I Do (with Lalah Hathaway) (Rendezvous Music/Mack Avenue)

Upcoming Events In Austin

Booking on the Fly with Nancy Fly Special Thanks to H-E-B

Join AMF and Nancy Fly and receive a backstage view of booking and touring from a professional whose agency represents artists such as Redd Volkaert, Bruce Robinson, Del Castillo, Carolyn Wonderland and Warren Hood.    Tuesday, January 18 7:00 pm   H-E-B Regional Support Center 6929 Airport Blvd., Suite 127   Nancy will discuss the real-life dynamics of how a booking agency works, how your band can attract the attention of one, the basics of tour planning, how to book like a pro, and other practical tipsfor the DIY artist.    If you want to have a more successful booking and touring experience, then make this Small Group Session a required stop on your itinerary.   To register, please email kim@austinmusicfoundation.org.

Annual Songwriter Symposium

For the 7th year, the Austin Songwriters Group is hosting its annual songwriter symposium, a conference put together by songwriters for songwriters.  January 13-16, 2011 (Thursday-Sunday) Omni South Park Hotel Interstate-35 at Ben White Blvd. This year's symposium will feature the return of many veteran songwriter past participants along with Brett James, two-time ASCAP Songwriter Of The Year, who has a hand in many of the top songs of the past several years including hits for Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean. The ASG Symposium will also have representatives from all three performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI & SESAC) in attendance. Bart Herbison, the Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriter's Association International (NSAI) will be on hand to report on legislative issues regarding pending songwriter copyright issues. In addition to a full slate of seminars and workshops, the annual symposium features the very popular song pitch sessions, showcases and all night pickin' circles. For a complete schedule of events, speakers, and to register, please visitAustin Songwriters Group.

Upcoming Events

Blues at the Crossroads How do you throw a 100th birthday bash for the most influential bluesman that ever lived? If you're Big Head Todd and The Monsters, you gather some of the greatest living blues musicians and record 100 Years of Robert Johnson, a stirring new tribute album featuring potent interpretations of some of the most vital and durable music of the past century. Friday, February 4 8:00 pm Paramount Theater    Big Head Blues Club, as the ad hoc ensemble is calling itself, features, in addition to the Colorado-based quartet-guitarist and vocalist Todd Park Mohr, bassist Rob Squires, drummer Brian Nevin and keyboardist Jeremy Lawton-special guests, legends and keepers of blues flame Hubert Sumlin, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcolm. Robert Johnson's story is the stuff of myth and legend alike. Born in Mississippi in 1911, Johnson recorded only 29 songs, all during the years 1936 and '37. His unique guitar style and haunting vocal phrasing, and the evocative, often mysterious nature of his lyrics, made him a popular artist during his short time in the spotlight and has continued to intrigue since. A persistent tale that, as a young man, Johnson sold his soul to the Devil in order to become a more proficient musician has been attached to his biography since his untimely death at age 27.

Texas Guitar Show -

Oct 15 & 16th

Arlington Convention Center

Arlington, Tx

Hit Songwriter and Grammy Winning Producer Plays Poor David's in Dallas

Friday Oct. 15 9:00 pm

Gary Nicholson “opens” for Whitey Johnson Band (featuring Anson Funderburgh)

Poor David's Pub1313 South Lamar St.
Dallas, TX 75215
214-565-1295

www.poordavidspub.com

Music Buzz Free Lectures this Fall at Allen Library

“TRENDS in the BUSINESS SIDE OF MUSIC”

WHERE: ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY / 300 North Allen Drive / Allen, TX

WHEN: Every Monday in October @ 7:00 pm

COST: FREE

SPONSOR: City of Allen “Bach to Books” & Collin County College

Bach to Books joins with Collin College to present a series of Monday night programs on “Trends in the Business side of the Music Industry”. This series will provide legal, marketing, and technical considerations for recording and distributing music. This program is free and no reservations are required

October 4 - Craig Crafton  -  "Music and Law: Recent Case Studies"
October 11 - Nick Wheeler - iPad/iPhone Music App Development
October 18 - Jason Martin* - Radio Production Today: a look at the production's inner workings of a top radio show
October 25 - Chris Lund* - Electronic Music Composition from a DJ's perspective.

*Collin College AAS Commercial Music Graduate

About Music Buzz:  The Collin College Music Buzz series is a collaborative effort by the Commercial Music Program and the Allen Public Library.  Each Monday at 7 p.m. the Library hosts a different speaker or performing group focusing on an aspect of the music industry.  Now in its second year, the series has featured performances and presentations on artist and venue management, studio musician technique, electronic music technology, studio design and acoustics, and many more.  Please join us for an opportunity to network with area audio and music professionals as well as enjoy the excellent presentations.

For information, call Tom Keener at 214-509-4911.

http://www.cityofallen.org/departments/library/about/

Dave Isaacs Guitar Workshop Saturday Oct. 23

FWSA will be sponsoring a guitar workshop for songwriters, with Nasville's Dave Isaacs, on Saturday, October 23rd, 10 AM - 3 PM at St. Ann Catholic Church in Burleson.  We invite any songwriters or guitarists to attend.

 www.fwsa.com/calendar.html

If you wish to register in advance, and take advantage of the early registration discount ($50 for early registration, $60 at the door), you may do so by sending an email to this address (newsletter@fortworthsongwriters.com) and mailing your registration fee to Guitar Workshop, FWSA, PO Box 162443, Fort Worth, TX 76161.  You may also register at the FWSA Open Mic at Texas Grill, either of the next 2 Mondays. 

 

In addition to being a songwriter, and having released 7 CDs as an independent artist, covering country-rock, jazz, folk, and blues, Dave is a highly sought-after guitar instructor in Nashville, teaching privately and at Tennessee State University in Nashville.  He holds degrees in guitar performance from New York's Manhattan School of Music and the City University of New York.http://www.fwsa.com/calendar.html

Music Buzz Free Lectures this Fall at Allen Library

“TRENDS in the BUSINESS SIDE OF MUSIC”

WHERE: ALLEN PUBLIC LIBRARY / 300 North Allen Drive / Allen, TX
WHEN: Every Monday in September @ 7:00 pm
COST: FREE
SPONSOR: City of Allen “Bach to Books” & Collin County College

Bach to Books joins with Collin College to present a series of Monday night programs on “Trends in the Business side of the Music Industry”. This series will provide legal, marketing, and technical considerations for recording and distributing music. This program is free and no reservations are required

MONDAY / September 13 / 7:00 pm
Benefits and Challenges of Studio Musicians: At 7 p.m. September 13, Susan Hanlon and the Friday Afternoon Collin Recording Ensemble present their music and discuss the Benefits and Challenges of Studio Musicians. Teaching commercial voice at Collin College as well as offering private lessons. Susan is completing a MA in music at the University of North Texas. A soloist as well as an ensemble member, she has sung at many weddings, private events, and prestigious jazz festivals around the country. Susan’s career highlightshave included performing at the IAJE conference in Toronto with UNT Jazz Singers and The Addison Jazz Festival as opening ensemble for New York Voices.

MONDAY / September 20 / 7:00 pm
Develop your Web Presence: Christopher Davis discusses Develop your Web Presence at 7 p.m., September 20. Christopher holds a bachelor of music from Drake and earned a masters degree from Austin Peavy State University. He has performed in master classes for world renowned artists such as Odair Assad and Christopher Parkening. Christopher’s performance experiences include solo classical guitar performances and work with rock, jazz, and Christian groups. In addition, Christopher also maintains and writes for the blog The Classical Guitar.

MONDAY / September 27 / 7:00 pm
Issues with Live Electronic Music: The members of 755 will cover Issues with Live Electronic Music as well as present live music, 7 p.m. September 27. 755 is a music collective centered around Russ Callison & David Siu. Started in Collin County in Spring 2010, the duo brings in a variety of collaborations and influences with a focus on dance genres.

For information, call Tom Keener at 214-509-4911.
http://www.cityofallen.org/departments/library/about/