Music Industry (Trade)

Farewell Fan Fair

Fan Fair Nick Krewen GRAMMY.COM   Farewell Fan Fair. When it wound down June 8 with a rare reunion of The Judds, the door closed on a 32-year tradition. Upon its return in 2004, the annual Nashville country music festival – which encourages fans to mingle with its stars – will be sporting a different name: the CMA (Country Music Association) Music Festival. More troubling to hardcore country music fans,…


The sincerest form of low-budget flattery

Tribute labels Nick Krewen Grammy.com May 2003   Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but some record companies are using it in a low-key manner to help pay the bills. Behold the tribute record, that seemingly unassuming piece of product that sits innocuously on record racks alongside the CD catalog of your favorite artist. Unlike some of their higher end brethren that include star-driven lineups and often make…


Casino Royale

Casino Royale Nick Krewen GRAMMY.COM March 2003 As the concert business continues its uneven ebb and flow, the casino circuit is continuing to establish itself as an increasingly safe anchor for the touring performer. Not only is the $25.7 billion casino gaming industry on an upswing — with over 430 commercial establishments operating in the U.S. alone — but many locations outside the seasoned hubs of Las Vegas and Atlantic…


Searching the Web’s haystack

GRAMMY Magazine – November 27, 2002   Searching The Web’s Haystack Is the Internet’s ability to help find and incubate talent coming of age?   Nick Krewen Grammy.com When talking about the music business, Grant Dexter isn’t above using a few hockey analogies. And when it comes to artist development, the puck stops here, at the spacious Toronto headquarters of his Internet-driven record label, MapleMusicRecordings.com (www.maplemusicrecordings.com).  Dexter says his record…


They’ve Got Game

Video Gaming and Music in the ’00s Nick Krewen GRAMMY.COM Nov 2002   When you hear the expression “He’s Got Game” in the future, it could mean more than just the competitive spirit. Veteran music stars such as Busta Rhymes, Barenaked Ladies and Bon Jovi — and their respective record labels — are tapping into multi-billion dollar interactive entertainment software companies to explore new promotional opportunities. By placing songs in…