Music & Political Campaigns

Are political campaign strategists music supervisors? Do political campaigns follow the same artist permission/licensing standards of music supervisors?

Music and political campaigns have worked hand in hand for decades. Who could forget Bill Clinton's 1992 anthem "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac? However, over the years there have been many artists who have NOT been happy with political figures using their material on the campaign trail. Just this week the Silversun Pickups sent a cease-and-desist order to the Romney camp for the use of their song "Panic Switch."

Per my research and not surprisingly so, it seems that more musicians have issues with Republican candidates using their music than Democrats. However, some artists like Brooks & Dunn are happy to share their music with the world no matter if it's being used by a donkey or an elephant (both Obama 2008 and Bush 2004 used "Only In America" during their campaigns).

I've posted a couple interesting articles on the subject, including CNN's article about the Silversun Pickups.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/16/politics/music-in-campaigns/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2012/02/29/147592568/music-in-political-campaigns-101

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tom-petty-tells-michele-bachmann-to-stop-playing-american-girl-20110628

 And if you want to check out some famous campaign/music pairings check out Spotify's playlist titled Campaign Songs Past & Present.

As we approach election day I'll be interested to hear not only what comes out of the candidates mouth, but what plays over venue speakers and runs in TV ads.

Jamie Cullum's Radio Show

As you may know from previous posts I'm a big fan of BBC Radio 1. I love The Chart with Reggie Yates and hearing great DJs and new dance music on Annie Mac's show. However, I have to say I never knew there were BBC stations beyond Radio 1 because I always used my bookmark link. Today for whatever reason I clicked on BBC Music at the top of the Radio 1 page and found there are several other music stations out there including Radio 1xtra, Radio 2, 3, and 6. Of course I had to explore a bit and I found some really cool stuff, including the fact that one of my favorite jazz artists, Jamie Cullum, has his own show.

Every Tuesday at 7 PM, 11 AM PT, Cullum brings a cool mix of classic jazz favorites  (Duke Ellington) and new pieces, which this week included a cover of "Dancing In The Dark" by the Part-Time Heroes. The cool thing about all the BBC Radio shows is that you can listen to the last program for up to a week, which is great for us friends across the pond. Enjoy!

Here's a link to Cullum's show and you can access all BBC Music via the Radio link at the top.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lsv1z

Story Of Famous Club To Hit Big Screen

For 33 years, the letters above 315 Bowery in NYC represented a special place for musicians and music fans alike and next year the story of CBGB will hit the big screen.

Starring Ashley Greene, Bradley Whitford and Castle's Stana Katic, CBGB the movie will capture the club's famous energy and atmosphere. Known mostly as the place that broke the Ramones, CBGB's also played a critical role in the careers of Patti Smith, Blondie, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Talking Heads, and The B-52's.

If you visit 315 Bowery today, you'll find the store of fashion designer John Varvatos, but if you make it to Cleveland, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame has the famous CBGB awning on display (see my photo above). And come next year you can relive your CBGB days or see a glimpse of what you've heard about from your elders when CBGB hits theaters.

Beachwood Sparks

The summer of 2012 is here and I needed a new album for those PCH wind through your hair days. Sifting through a ton of new music, I kept coming back to Beachwood Sparks and their new album The Tarnished Gold. 

Beachwood Sparks formed in 1998, but The Tarnished Gold is only their third full length album. After a long hiatus, the Alt-Country boys are back! With a feel reminiscent of late '60s & early '70s Laurel Canyon, The Tarnished Gold is the perfect summer chill album. 

Who Shot Rock & Roll

Yesterday I had a chance to check out Who Shot Rock & Roll, the new exhibit that opened this weekend at the Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles. Running June 23-October 7, 2012 Who Shot Rock & Roll explores the transformation of music photography from 1955 to the present through a combination of album art, prints, and short film.

Who Shot Rock & Roll does a nice job of mixing rare photographs with iconic images. You'll see Annie Leibovitz's album cover of Bruce Springsteen's rear end for Born in the U.S.A and Bob Gruen's famous John Lennon New York City T-shirt shot. All in all there are 166 prints from over 100 photographers featured in the exhibit, capturing everything from artists at the start of their careers to live performances by musicians and the fans who fill the seats.

As great as the photographs were, the 35 minute short documentary film they showed was even better. Who Shot Rock & Roll: The Film contained interviews with many musicians and photographers including Alice Cooper, Debbie Harry, Linda McCartney, Noel Gallagher and Lynn Goldsmith.

In addition, the Anneberg Space for Photography will be hosting 15 free lectures over the course of the exhibit's run. Notable speakers include Mark Seliger, Henry Rollins, and Bob Gruen. Online reservations are on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information on the exhibit and lectures you can visit Annenberg's website at:
http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/

Free Kenny Chesney Concert Tonight

Ironically I'll be in New Jersey tonight, but unfortunately I will not be on the beaches of Wildwood, the home of tonight's FREE Kenny Chesney show. Everyone can however help Kenny and the crew celebrate the release of his new album Welcome To The Fishbowl by logging on at 8:30PM ET via the link below- Enjoy!

http://bit.ly/N3OsYK

The Opening Act

"Rise Of The Opening Act," was last Friday's entertainment section cover story for The Wall Street Journal with a secondary headline of, "Now it's often the headlining artists- not the promoters or the labels- who choose the bands playing first. Show up early."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303640104577436361300474458.html

As I read the article, it made me think about all the shows I've seen or worked over the years and I realized how often the majority of seats were vacant at the start of the opener's set. Maybe because I'm a music lover I've always tried to catch the opener even if I wasn't familiar with their material or sound. Sometimes I became a fan for life (Radiohead) and sometimes I've stepped out for a beer (Big Head Todd & the Monsters). Either way I'm always excited to see who's opening for who. It rarely sways my opinion on if I'll attend a show, but it can add to the excitement for the night to come.

I always write the name of the opener  on the back of my concert ticket or pass to serve as a reminder for when I flip back through my collection. Thanks to Sheryl Crow I've seen some amazing openers including Semisonic. Without them as an opener, I may never have become familiar with Dan Wilson- the very talented singer, songwriter and producer.

I forget sometimes all the people I've seen as openers and I'm happy to hear that all artists, not just big time draws are gaining more control over who they share the stage with. So as the summer concert season heats up check out the opener, you may just be surprised with who you see and how good they are!


My Top Ten Opening Acts:
1. 1995 Radiohead for R.E.M.
2. 2006 Sugarland for Kenny Chesney
3. 2000 Travis for Oasis
4. 1999 Semisonic for Sheryl Crow
5. 1997 The Wallflowers for Sheryl Crow
6. 2001 Pete Yorn for Semisonic
7. 2002 Michelle Branch for Sheryl Crow
8. 2012 Matt Nathanson for Kelly Clarkson
9. 2000 Tonic for Third Eye Blind
10. 1999 Lucinda Williams for Tom Petty

I'm Back- Thanks To Kelly Clarkson For Motivating Me!

Kelly Clarkson reminded me last night why I love music and motivated me to start up my blog again.

Putting on one of the best shows I've seen in a long time, Clarkson exhibited her love of music too- pop, rock, electronic, blues and country. Throughout the night she talked about her love for various genres of music, which she showcased through various duet partners and song choices. American Idol friend Tamyra Gray joined Clarkson for a soulful rendition of "When You Believe", the Whitney Houston/Mariah Carey duet. Michelle Branch appeared shortly after on The Wreckers country hit "Leave The Pieces." Early in the set Clarkson threw in a Florence + The Machine cover, saying at the end she "hopes to expose her fans to new music"- who does that?

The night was filled with special guests, the next bigger than the last. I thought the roof was going to blow off the Nokia Theater when Clarkson introduced Blake Shelton to sing Jason Alden's part on "Don't You Wanna Stay." Shelton's welcome was just a warm up for the thunderous response that occurred when Clarkson invited her idol, country legend Reba McEntire onstage. During the encore they belted out Clarkson's hit "Because of You", which they previously recorded for McEntire's 2007 Duets album.

When Clarkson wasn't joined onstage by one of her famous friends, she was rolling through her numerous hits, showcasing those vocal chops that made her America's first Idol. For nearly two hours she entertained us with her down-to-earth personality and sense of humor. She talked about the songs and how they came about, much like a country artist- oh, that's right, she's managed by Narvel Blackstock, Reba McEntire's husband.

In the end I could tell Clarkson really enjoys what she does and is very appreciative of her career. Few artists could incorporate so many genres of music into one show and hold the interest of the audience like Clarkson did. She could move between laser lights and big pop hits to humanitarian video and ballads because she believes in and loves everything she does up there and that's contagious.

Who Would You Invite?

I found myself dreaming the other night (probably due to all the live music I've seen recently) about the musicians I'd invite to my ultimate campfire soiree. There were so many names that rolled around in my head and when I woke up, I thought the idea would make for an interesting blog entry.

I decided to narrow the names down to twelve living artists, six men and six women.

1. Sheryl Crow
2. Bonnie Raitt
3. Ann Wilson
4. Martina McBride
5. Grace Slick
6. Pink

7. Bono
8. James Taylor
9. Kid Rock
10. Keith Urban
11. Justin Timberlake
12. Kenny Chesney

What would your campfire soiree look like?

Four Concerts In Nine Days

Summer and live music go hand in hand like apple pie and ice cream or baseball and beer. For someone who's seen over 200 live shows, the idea of live music never gets old for me. I always get chills when the audience sings the lyrics back to the artist or when lighters (now cell phones) light up the night sky. The next nine days will be heaven for me because it's four concerts in a span of 216 hours!

The journey starts tomorrow night at one of my favorite venues, the Hollywood Bowl. Tucked up on the hill close to the 101 Freeway, the Bowl feels miles away from the chaos of Los Angeles. On Saturday the legendary venue will host country darling Dolly Parton. Not sure what to expect, but I know it will be FUN!

Next stop the Canyon Club and country new comers Thompson Square on Thursday July 28. Known for their hit "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not," friends have had nothing but good things to say about this husband and wife duo. It's rare that I don't know an artist's material before I see them live, but I'm always looking for new music and hope my friends did not steer me wrong.

The third stop, finds me in Irvine at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Saturday July 30 for the most anticipated of the four shows- Sheryl Crow & Kid Rock!!!! I first saw Sheryl as a freshman in college and probably 20+ times since, she's my fav hands down. I've also seen Kid Rock twice (at country festivals) and he puts on a hell of a show. Everyone knows there hit duet "Picture" and  there new song "Collide" is good too. I'm thinking one set of her, one set of him and then one set together, doing covers of classic rock and country hits ( witnessing Sheryl belting out "Feel Like Making Love" at sound check is still one of my favorite musical moments of all time).

"Collide"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoFHIhAW4W0

"Picture"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKFx0MMqb48

Last, but not least is Melissa Etheridge on Sunday July 30 at the OC Fair. Now the fair in and of itself would be enough reason for the hour plus drive, but add to it one of America's top singer-songwriters and it's a no brainer. I've only seen her once, at the Tower Theater in Philly 11 years ago when I was worked for WRDX(I'm always a taker on freebies). WOW, what a performer and storyteller. I've always said I'd see her again at some point because she was THAT good. The albums following Yes I Am never lived up to the commerical success of the 1993 juggernaut, but her work since has been just as good, if not better.

So Dolly, Thompson Square, Sheryl/Rock & Melissa here I come!

Riding Shotgun For Today's Adventures- ADELE

Just picked up Adele's EP from the iTunes Festival in London- WOW. Not like I should be surprised, love her and she does an amazing cover of "I Can't Make You Love Me" and gets the crowd going with "Rolling in the Deep."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvoe9efyfzo

When Did R.E.M. Fall Off My Radar?

On September 30, 1995 I was at Hersheypark Stadium singing along to alternative rock pioneers R.E.M. and their opening act Radiohead. Now, almost 16 years later it's hard to believe that the creators of Out Of Time, Automatic For The People, and Monster had fallen off my musical radar. It must have been a gradual fade, but thanks to the May issue of Interview Magazine and their piece on Michael Stipe, R.E.M. are once again on my mind.

R.E.M. never stopped making music and after 30 years it's no small accomplishment to still be on a major label and still be making music. On March 8, 2011 they released their 15th full-length album, Collapse Into Now, which debuted at #5 on Billboard 200.

The fascinating thing about the Stipe interview for me was his take on what an album means in 2011 and how the band is making a film for every song from Collapse Into Now. Stipe 51, understands the power of YouTube and the 21st-century audience.

For the films, R.E.M. has enlisted 11 directors, including the man of the hour James Franco to tell R.E.M.'s stories through film. Many may say that's nothing more than a music video, but we'll have to see because for me R.E.M. video's like "Everybody Hurts" felt more like an art film than a music video.

TBC......

Carrie Underwood Makes Acting Debut

Country superstar Carrie Underwood became the latest singer turned actor in this weekend's Soul Surfer. Underwood plays youth leader Sarah Hill in the inspirational true story about Bethany Hamilton, a 13-year-old surfer who looses her arm in a shark attack.

The role was a safe choice for Underwood's big screen debut. Her character is sweet and wholesome, much how society perceives Underwood and Carrie didn't have to test her acting chops head to head with veteran co-stars Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid.

The good news for Underwood is that the acting all the way around in Soul Surfer was mediocre, so her rushed lines and uncomfortable mannerisms didn't seem to stick out too much. I'm sure Underwood helped draw some people to theaters this weekend (Soul Surfer finished fourth at the box office), but like most singers who try to transition to acting Underwood should stick to the music because for every Tim McGraw (The Blind Side) there are twenty Taylor Swift's (Valentine's Day).

Grey's Anatomy: The Musical Event, Falls Short

I'm a huge Grey's Anatomy fan and when I heard they were doing a musical event I was psyched. I imagined an episode where dramatic events filled our screen and perfectly placed songs provided the dialog. Obvious thought right, this was the show that used music (The Fray, Bryn Christopher, Metric, Adele) better than any other production on TV. Boy was I wrong.

When I finished watching last night the only two words that came to mind were corny and disappointed. I was laughing as Dr. Hunt, Dr. Torres and crew sang their way "dramatically" through the show. I appreciate shows taking chances, but Grey's isn't Glee. In the latest Entertainment Weekly creator-executive producer Shonda Rhimes described herself as a "musical-theater geek," which is fine, but she should have kept that part of her life out of my favorite show. It's so disappointing because the storyline of the episode (Callie's accident) was so great and it got ruined by the song and dance. We couldn't even enjoy Addison Montgomery's return to Seattle Grace because the singing was so distracting. I hope they never do another episode like that again and I know when I buy Season Seven on DVD I will defiantly skip over that episode. Too bad because season seven was quickly becoming one of my favorite season's of all time.

Unique Museum To Open Valentines Day

On February 14, 2011 the world will gain it's first opportunity to wonder around an Eight-Track tape museum. The vision of collector Bucks Burnett, the Dallas Texas museum will house over 2,000 Eight-Track cartridges.

Popular from the mid-1960s until the early 80s, Eight-Track tapes actually provided a higher quality sound than the cassette tape (the Eight-Track killer) because they ran at twice the speed. However, the Eight-Track format kept a cult following with some bands still releasing limited number of tapes. Cheap Trick offered their 2009 album The Latest on Eight-Track.

If you ever find yourself in Dallas you may want to swing by. As far as I know, it's the only music format that has it's own museum. Not even vinyl has it's own sanctuary!

http://www.eighttrackmuseum.org/