Shania a pop confection???

[cbspock]

Universal South Aims to Boost Country
Tue Apr 9, 5:03 PM ET
By JIM PATTERSON, Associated Press Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - "The Impossible," a song rising on the country music charts, might make a star of young singer Joe Nichols. It's also the opening salvo for the new Universal South record label.

Photos

AP Photo


Starting a major, well-financed country music record label in 2002 isn't impossible, but it certainly is improbable. Country music sales have been flat or falling for five years, and many Nashville record companies have announced layoffs or shuttered their doors altogether.

And Universal South's parent company, Universal Music, already owns the MCA, Mercury and Lost Highway labels in Nashville, and distributes country releases by Lyric Street and DreamWorks.

But this label might work, simply because it's run by Tony Brown and Tim DuBois. Between them, the executives have been instrumental in the careers of Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood and Brooks & Dunn, among others.

"Tim and I joked for years about trying to figure out a way to work together, but our contracts never quite came to the point where we were both available," said Brown, who left MCA Nashville after more than 17 years to start Universal South. "Then he was — as he says — gainfully self-unemployed. I went to him about this, and he said he was interested."

DuBois, the former president of Arista Nashville, left Arista in 2000 to head a new label at Gaylord Entertainment, but that plan fell through when Gaylord executives changed their minds.

The men believe that whatever ails country music can be cured by finding and nurturing quality artists. It's the basic building block of the business, but Nashville has had trouble doing it recently.

Country music lost direction after the rise of Garth Brooks coincided with a dramatic country music boom in the early 1990s. Brooks sparked the genre to the point where lifetime city-dwellers were listening to and buying country music by the millions.

But as time went on, pop music confections like the hits of Faith Hill and Shania Twain became the industry's meal ticket, much to the consternation of traditionalists.

To confound matters more, industry leaders are split on the significance of "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" the best-selling and most-awarded country album of the past year. It's full of old-time country music and blues, but has been ignored by country radio stations that the record companies rely on to sell albums.

Some consider "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" a novelty phenomenon sparked by a hit movie. Others aren't so sure.

No one seems to know where to go from here, but Universal bets DuBois and Brown have the answers, or at least can find them.

"We will be playing the mainstream, get-it-played-on-the-radio game in the beginning," DuBois said. "We do have open ears and open minds about other formats. We definitely want to get involved in contemporary Christian music."

Brown says the label wants to find singer-songwriters like Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor or Sheryl Crow, "but we will go there when it feels right. I think we'll know when we have that right act."

DuBois and Brown have already signed songwriter Holly Lamar, who wrote "Breathe" for Faith Hill; a young country music band from Russia called Bering Strait; second-generation country singer Dean Miller, whose dad was the late legend Roger Miller; and Chad Mullins, a mainstream singer who also picks a mean banjo. Allison Moorer, an artist who recorded two commercially unsuccessful albums for Brown at MCA, has moved to Universal South.

Nichols' album release is set for July 23, followed by Moorer in August and Bering Strait in September.

DuBois and Brown say it's good to work on the same team after more than a decade as friendly competitors. Both know the music business from the ground up.

Brown first made his mark as a gospel music piano player. He played in Elvis Presley's band in the 1970s and later joined Emmylou Harris' Hot Band. He was an executive at RCA before joining MCA Nashville in 1984.

Previously, he was a respected talent scout and a producer for mainstream hitmakers such as Wynonna Judd and Reba McEntire, and edgier acts like Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, Kelly Willis and The Mavericks. Brown has produced more than 100 No. 1 singles.

DuBois, an accountant and professor at Oklahoma State University before coming to Nashville to write songs, first found success penning hits for Jerry Reed, Ricky Skaggs, Restless Heart and Alabama.

He opened the Nashville office of Arista Records in 1989, and sold more then 75 million records in four years with stars such as Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Pam Tillis and Diamond Rio.

DuBois says he will use the same strategy at Universal South that worked at Arista — a small staff focused on a small group of artists.

He says if the label fails, "it will be because we're dummies, and didn't find the right artists.

"I don't think that's going to be the case."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020409/ap_en_mu/profile_universal_south_2&printer=1
-----------------

[talkalot24]

a pop confection...LOL! :)

[cbspock]

Shania will show them the new direction to head in. Everyone will be saying..."follow her.."


-Chris

[talkalot24]

Yep, that is the truth. Heck, they have been following her for the past 7 years.
Originally posted by cbspock
Shania will show them the new direction to head in. Everyone will be saying..."follow her.."


-Chris

[FV]

A "pop confection" who sold 54 million copies and got 5 grammys! :rolleyes:

[AINAHS]

the folks in Nashville are scary - they do not know which way is up in the industry - they are totally confused by the Oh Brother mega success story and have no clue which direction to go now - the year will be mostly done by the time Shania's new work gives them a clue about where and what to do next unless her initial single(s) points them in some definitive direction - I spent a lot of time watching GAC in the last 2 days - I was absolutely amazed at the amount of times they play the same videos by Reba, Faith, Tim, Brooks and Dunn and some of the hat acts and gals like Terri and Chely and Sara. It is like they are getting payola - pretty strange state of affairs.

[cbspock]

And what is so funny is that "Oh Brother" is no good {IMO}. It's an awful album. It sells 4 million copies and they are lost. It sounds to me there are some people in Nashville who can't make a decision, or are afraid to take risks. Shania took the risk, and look where she is. Shania's gamble took worked, if it didn't she would have crashed and burned. Like Shania said in the "Women of Country special on VH1, "Lucky for me". They criticze every thing Shania has done, but then try to copy her, since the copies are inferior (IMO) [just look at their album sales compared to Shania] then Music Row whines about all the bad country music on the radio. Let's see, problem number one, these country/pop songs are written by writers that have staff meetings to write them, also from the pop/rock end, they are clueless since they have been writing country songs. Problem two, they are setting out to write country/pop and not to write a good song. They miss the point as to why Shania's songs are so popular. Shania (or Shania & Mutt) write a song without classifying it, they concentrate on the song itself. Mutt also has an extensive background and/or knowledge of Rock and Pop, and even Country Music, and just has an ear for how it all comes together. So the clones already have two strikes against them. Strike three, is that they are not original, they are trying to copy a stlye and make it their own. Since it is Shania's style it fits Shania like a glove. It's like trying to dupilcate Coca-Cola, they don't have the secret ingredient. Maybe if Nashville let some creativity happen on Music Row, and take some risks, we would get better music.


-Chris

[AINAHS]

Chris - I could not agree with you more!

They need a Phil Spector or Mutt in Nashville to save them from themselves.

Spector was and is very similar to Mutt but he never had his Shania - if he had he would've been more successful but he did OK for himself.

Anyone know what Phil has been up to for the last 10 years, other than cheating his artists out of their royalties etc?

(I do recall Ronnie Spector, one of his exes, winning a court battle against him a few years back).

[cbspock]

Originally posted by AINAHS
Chris - I could not agree with you more!

They need a Phil Spector or Mutt in Nashville to save them from themselves.




The problem is they don't want Mutt around anymore than they want Shania. Remember what Nero said in BTM, "What the hell is a Mutt Lange? and what the heck has he ever done?" That's the problem, Nashville is a closed system, they don't like outsiders. They also probably resent the fact that it took a rock producer to make a kick a** country album, with a country singer from Canada. Nashville can't claim credit.


-Chris

[Roger]

Originally posted by cbspock



That's the problem, Nashville is a closed system, they don't like outsiders.
-Chris

This is my impression too Chris. To be an insider you have to be from the American south. If you are American but from outside the south, you have a strike against you. If you are from Canada, like Paul Brandt or Terri Clark, it's two strikes. If you are from down under like Sherrie Austin or Keith Urban, heaven help you!

I think a lot of talent is going unrecognized in Nashville. We are all the poorer for it. Farmer's Daughter and Blue Rodeo haven't even tried to break into the US market as far as I know but I think they are fabulous. Either of these two groups by the way could sure use a kick start by opening for Shania. I think most of you Americans would like them.

So all in all Shania has done pretty well. Also it looks as if Carolyn Dawn Johnson might, just might, have more success too.

Roger

[AINAHS]

Originally posted by cbspock



The problem is they don't want Mutt around anymore than they want Shania. Remember what Nero said in BTM, "What the hell is a Mutt Lange? and what the heck has he ever done?" That's the problem, Nashville is a closed system, they don't like outsiders. They also probably resent the fact that it took a rock producer to make a kick a** country album, with a country singer from Canada. Nashville can't claim credit.


-Chris Nero? Norro I think - but he said it kiddingly! He knew who he was very well.

They may be closed-minded but they seem to be at the breaking point - Gaylord has screwed country music big-time closing operyland and puttin in a mall and lookin only at their bottom lines. they tried to get WSM out of country music and only by a huge petition from fans did that get back-burnered for the time being - the point I am trying to make is that Nashville knows they gotta open their minds and doors to outsiders and it will happen whether the powers that be cotton to it or not - or the industry we know as country music will either dry up or move to California or somewhere where people are more open minded and welcome talent from whereever they eminate from - last sermon til tonite!:)

[cbspock]

Originally posted by Roger


This is my impression too Chris. To be an insider you have to be from the American south. If you are American but from outside the south, you have a strike against you. If you are from Canada, like Paul Brandt or Terri Clark, it's two strikes.


and if you're Shania, you are out. LOL :p Canadian country seems to be more open to new acts and taking different paths. Nashville seems to be rotting from within. You are right ainahs, it was Norro, my mistake. From reading the Eggar book, the only person who was interested in Mutt [besides Shaniahttp://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/naughty.gif] getting involved was Luke Lewis.

-Chris

[Sheri]

Pop confection? Um... no. What they just can't seem to grasp is that Shania's sound is unique to her. I don't categorize her sound as country exactly... or pop exactly... or rock exactly. She and Mutt have created their own genre - the Twain/Lange sound. It's unique, and it's incredible. Bring it on!!

[Bryce]

Originally posted by Roger



Blue Rodeo haven't even tried to break into the US market as far as I know but I think they are fabulous.

I think Blue Rodeo has tried to break into the US market. I remember at one time, I think it was early in their carreer, Rolling Stone magazine did an article on them. In the article they said (paraphrasing here) they were the best band out there at that time. For some reason they just didn't catch on. They have also been told by some that their name has hurt them. But you are right Roger they are awesome.

What I see as the biggest problem with music in the US is the US Music Industry, in general, is to hung up on lables. If it doesn't fit in a specific catagory they wont touch it.

The Canadian Music Industry doesn't seem to have this problem.

Myself I see music as having two catagories. What I like and what I don't like.

Now as for why Nashvile doesn't seem to like Shania. I feel one of the biggest reasons is money. Aint no one in Nashville getting rich off of Shania's success and huge CD sales. Her and Mutt got all the royalties locked up. If some of Nashvilles song writers and producers were receiving some royalties from Shania recordings I think it would be a different story.

Bryce

[cbspock]

Originally posted by Bryce

Myself I see music as having two catagories. What I like and what I don't like.

Now as for why Nashvile doesn't seem to like Shania. I feel one of the biggest reasons is money. Aint no one in Nashville getting rich off of Shania's success and huge CD sales. Her and Mutt got all the royalties locked up. If some of Nashvilles song writers and producers were receiving some royalties from Shania recordings I think it would be a different story.

Bryce


That's about the way I see it. Just think if Luke Lewis believed in Shania as much as Mutt did, maybe Mercury would have made a better deal in their favor, but he didn't so too bad for them. Since they didn't Mutt and Shania took them to the cleaners..lol I think the chapter title in Eggar's book says it all "The Great Nashville Bank Robbery"...lol

No wonder Shania is wearing pinstripes..lol
http://www.shaniatwaincity.com/images2002/Shaniainjail.jpg

http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/rotfl.gif

-Chris

[Roger]

Originally posted by Bryce


I think Blue Rodeo has tried to break into the US market. I remember at one time, I think it was early in their carreer, Rolling Stone magazine did an article on them. In the article they said (paraphrasing here) they were the best band out there at that time. For some reason they just didn't catch on. They have also been told by some that their name has hurt them. But you are right Roger they are awesome.

What I see as the biggest problem with music in the US is the US Music Industry, in general, is to hung up on lables. If it doesn't fit in a specific catagory they wont touch it.

The Canadian Music Industry doesn't seem to have this problem.

Myself I see music as having two catagories. What I like and what I don't like.

Now as for why Nashvile doesn't seem to like Shania. I feel one of the biggest reasons is money. Aint no one in Nashville getting rich off of Shania's success and huge CD sales. Her and Mutt got all the royalties locked up. If some of Nashvilles song writers and producers were receiving some royalties from Shania recordings I think it would be a different story.

Bryce

Bryce: very perceptive observations! Yep, my experience with Blue Rodeo bears out the confusion as to their genre. Since they are on CMT a lot, I went to the country section of the record store to find their albums. In fact, I ended up asking in desperation how on earth they could fail to have a group as big as Blue Rodeo. Well, they did have them - in the rock section!

I find many of the Canadian country acts quite varied in their styles. That's what makes Candian country interesting - the celtic influence, the twangy stuff and the more pop oriented stuff all on the same radio and TV station.

Roger

[cbspock]

I see that problem of what box do they fit in, with the Corrs, they are now being played on some country stations in the USA, go figure.

-Chris

[AINAHS]

Originally posted by Roger


Bryce: very perceptive observations! Yep, my experience with Blue Rodeo bears out the confusion as to their genre. Since they are on CMT a lot, I went to the country section of the record store to find their albums. In fact, I ended up asking in desperation how on earth they could fail to have a group as big as Blue Rodeo. Well, they did have them - in the rock section!

I find many of the Canadian country acts quite varied in their styles. That's what makes Candian country interesting - the celtic influence, the twangy stuff and the more pop oriented stuff all on the same radio and TV station.

Roger I had the same problem finding Lucinda Williams' music - I expected it in Country and found it in rock thanks to an astute sales person at Media Play.

[brett]

Thanks for starting this thread Chris. I couldn't agree with you and everyone else more. It amazes me that Nashville would call someone a pop confection who is really the bread and butter of their industry (and their future too, if they'd wisen up!) Sheesh, Shania is pure gold and they treat her like trash.
:duh! shrugs :confused: :( --brett

[tower]

Originally posted by cbspock



That's about the way I see it. Just think if Luke Lewis believed in Shania as much as Mutt did, maybe Mercury would have made a better deal in their favor, but he didn't so too bad for them. Since they didn't Mutt and Shania took them to the cleaners..lol I think the chapter title in Eggar's book says it all "The Great Nashville Bank Robbery"...lol

No wonder Shania is wearing pinstripes..lol
-Chris

You got me rolling round the floor laughing to that post Chris! :D I have been given a final warning by CMT.COM about complaining on the message board about the heavy hand of the moderators who delete more of my posts than they allow.

Now I don't use stong language, or inflammatory dialogue - guess the truth about C & W from someone outside the US of A does not go down to well in North America. I really think it is a shame after Shania and Mutt went to all the bother of the Green disc that some dislike it so much.

I think the "flat or falling sales" bit is a classic, they are all upset about "new music" not being "pure" C & W, yet "pure" C & W does not sell well. Can't have it both ways.

I am glad I come from a country where we accept all kinds of music, yes Country and Western is very popular in Scotland, hence 3C winning all those awards. Guess it is true what they say about music is certain states in the USA, where you can have 2 kinds of music "Country and Western".

Must go watch "Dukes of Hazzard" and get in the right frame of mind for the final post that will get be thrown off the CMT boards.

At least Up! is still number 1.... Boy that must get them good!!!!

[cbspock]

Originally posted by tower


You got me rolling round the floor laughing to that post Chris! :D I have been given a final warning by CMT.COM about complaining on the message board about the heavy hand of the moderators who delete more of my posts than they allow.

Now I don't use stong language, or inflammatory dialogue - guess the truth about C & W from someone outside the US of A does not go down to well in North America. I really think it is a shame after Shania and Mutt went to all the bother of the Green disc that some dislike it so much.

I think the "flat or falling sales" bit is a classic, they are all upset about "new music" not being "pure" C & W, yet "pure" C & W does not sell well. Can't have it both ways.

I am glad I come from a country where we accept all kinds of music, yes Country and Western is very popular in Scotland, hence 3C winning all those awards. Guess it is true what they say about music is certain states in the USA, where you can have 2 kinds of music "Country and Western".

Must go watch "Dukes of Hazzard" and get in the right frame of mind for the final post that will get be thrown off the CMT boards.

At least Up! is still number 1.... Boy that must get them good!!!!


I had to go re-read the thread....LOL

It is a shame that the CW and CMT boards are so anti-shania, and so are its moderators. Nashville will always have a closed mind when it comes to Shania. It is their loss that they do't get it. I find it amazing that the country music industry would want to shun her fans, since we might just want to buy other country artists CDs that we hear on country radio. Maybe if they produced high quality albums like Shania, people might be interested more in the music. Nashville does not spend money on albums like they do in the pop world, that is why most country albums sound so cheap. I have seem some country artists in concert, and was really disappointed when I got their CDs. The songs sounded nothing like they did LIVE.

I think most people accept all types of music here in the USA, it is just the pinhead program directors of radio stations, and record executives that have the closed minds. I think Luke Lewis is one of the few that has an open mind. He does defend his artists.



-Chris

[canadarocks]

I am sorry,but most of these shollow attitudes towards ,SHANIA, are about SEXISM AND POLITICS.This is just my opinion .
Alot of, so called, critics have a hard time believing that a woman can be innovative.


Also ,there is a unfair disbelief that good music does not comes from Canada, [ both in and outside, Canada ]. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Look at,THE BAND.The main song writter was a Jewish,Mohawk from Ontario,Canada.He wrote songs about the old American, south. GO figure. Alanis,Sarah MC.,Celine,k.d. lang,Lennard Cohand,The Guess Who,Anne Murry,Gorden Lightfoot,RUSH, Bryan Adams, ect.........are proof that something good can come out of ,Canada.

Sorry , but people resent ,so called outsiders,beating them at their own game.
I have never seem some of the lenths people would go to bash,SHANIA.Its nuts,they really hate her.
Alanis MOR, had to deal with the,"well her producer and co writer is a man ,so if it is sussesful , then ,that must be the reason".
Shania writes the music and lyrics.Mutt is the producer.He just happens to be the best in the world at it.
Name 1 , star who is not cococted,I can't.
Every artist has an image and a promotional team of some sort.You can't sell records without a team. I am I RIGHT ,SHANIA TEAM!?
LOOK ,LETS BE REALLY HONEST, HERE,O.K.
SHANIA IS A BABE,SHE IS RICH ,FAMOUS ,TALENTED.





:duh!



Alot of people find it hard to believe a person can have everything ,LIKE THAT. There must be some smoke and mirrors here.
Sorry, people there is not.
I would bet you a million $$$$$$$$$$$ that Shania would give all of this up to have her parents back.

ALSO , I LOVE ,BLUE RODEO, I AM GOING TO SEE THEM AT MASSY HALL ON ,JAN, TENTH:dancing :HG :reddancin HEY1 :drinks :yippee:
just my 2 sents Canadian [ which is worth - 2 cents U.S. ]

[tower]

Originally posted by canadarocks
II have never seem some of the lenths people would go to bash,SHANIA.Its nuts,they really hate her.

:duh!


I would bet you a million $$$$$$$$$$$ that Shania would give all of this up to have her parents back.

just my 2 sents Canadian [ which is worth - 2 cents U.S. ]

Yes I am sure your bet is correct. But the death of her parents may have spurred her one to become the person she is today. I lost my parents when I was young and was brought up by the state. What gets me is the sort of Poll you see in the country weekly and CMT message boards that goes something like:

1. Do your think Shania Twain is rubbish?
2. Do you think Shania Twain is really rubbish?
3. Do you think Shania Twain is really really rubbish?

and so on...

[AINAHS]

Tom - you gotta steer clear of those message boards - all they do is aggravate you - let those folk roll around in their own rubbish.

Canadarocks - Phil Spector gives Mutt a run for his money as far as being a great producer.:D

[canadarocks]

TOWER ,I am so sorry to here about your parents and I used to be a socail worker,so ,I know what a nightmare that could be ,[ being in care of the state ,or in my case ,the province ].
I guess from your point of view it makes prefect sense,she would be an inspiration.Another SHANIA PLUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am sure you a nice talented person like SHANIA,but not as rich.Well ,you never know on the web.:LMAO HEY1

AND AS FAR AS CMT.COM AND " COUNTRY WEAKLY" :GH :GH :GH
What a bunch of losers.shrugs
I don't like certain artists, but I talk about the music ,not the person.
These people have taken critism to an extreme.:(

AINAHS.........
PHIL, IS A LEDGEND ,but I think his best work is behind him.Sorry.
But alot of people would love to have his list of innovation and accomplishments:clap

[Sheri]

Tower, remember... the pinheads on those particular boards and the pinheads in Bashville are a minority. If you really want to ponder how America feels about Shania and her music, count up those record sales and check out the numbers of followers who show up at her concerts. THAT's how America feels about Shania Twain. :D

[cbspock]

Originally posted by Sheri
Tower, remember... the pinheads on those particular boards and the pinheads in Nashville are a minority. If you really want to ponder how America feels about Shania and her music, count up those record sales and check out the numbers of followers who show up at her concerts. THAT's how America feels about Shania Twain. :D


TOTALLY AGREE!!!!! There is a small vocal minority that just loves to cry and whine about Shania, you should just ignore them. I wonder when they are gonna realize that people are tired of hearing the musical retreads coming from Music Row. They should look to their own when it comes to "pop" music, they are the ones producing it. Faith Hill, Lee Ann Womack, etc., all their new albums are not country, even by "COO" country standards. Yet, they are awarded CMA's, Shania just gets shut out, even though she is responisble for bringing more listeners to country radio. Shania even tossed them a bone, with the GREEN version of Up! which is the most country Shania has been since her TWIM days.


Music Row just sees Shania's success and tries to clone it, I think the "Ka Ching" of the cash registers has totally removed the creativity from Music Row. Shania took the risk, and she was lucky it went over big with the audience. I can't name any other country artist taking risks right now. Shania seems to be the one always stirring the pot.


-Chris

[tower]

Originally posted by cbspock



TOTALLY AGREE!!!!! There is a small vocal minority that just loves to cry and whine about Shania, --- Snip -----

Music Row just sees Shania's success and tries to clone it, I think the "Ka Ching" of the cash registers has totally removed the creativity from Music Row. Shania took the risk, and she was lucky it went over big with the audience. I can't name any other country artist taking risks right now. Shania seems to be the one always stirring the pot.


-Chris

Well done everyone, I have cheered up right away, with those excellent "pot stirring" inspirational posts! :D :D :JP :JP :dancing :HG

[AINAHS]

Originally posted by canadarocks
AINAHS.........
PHIL, IS A LEGEND ,but I think his best work is behind him.Sorry.
But alot of people would love to have his list of innovation and accomplishments:clap No question about it - Phil is in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and his best work is complete and history - I do not even know if he is active in music nowadays. He is probably still counting his money.:D

My point was Phil was of the calibre of Mutt and they are both living legends. "To Know Him Is To Love Him" is playing on my computer as I type this, believe it or not - it is a new rendition done exactly in the 50's style of the Teddy Bears, by Colette Delaney - the new female lead singer of the newly reconstituted Aquatones, and it is on their reprise CD just released, "40 Years Later". They also do on this CD a new wonderful rendition of the Paris Sisters' "I Love How You Love Me", another Spector production just prior to his creation of his Wall of Sound.

Spector was the Mutt Lange of his day - he also could do no wrong and had hit after hit, and his work is remembered to this day as masterpieces, "symphonies for kiddies" in his own words but truly masterpieces for people of all ages to enjoy for time immemorial, just like Mutt's work.

[DOC BILL]

Watch it guys-you're starting to sound like you think one of the Music industry's goals is to provide us with good music! LOL. Well I at least think Shania is candy to the ears! DOC

[canadarocks]

I have been haunting " country weakly " lately under the name.
" fromthenorthcountry"
Just letting them know SHANIA ,is # 1 in the U.S. and Canada ,FOR THE THIRD WEEK IN A ROW.:LMAO
I know people will not chage their minds,what little they have, but it is fun,regardless.:LMAO :GH