Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Cream Grascals File Suit Against Head of Music Row PR Firm
Posted by D. Patrick Rodgers on Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 4:49 PM
According to The Grascals, they entered into an “at-will” management agreement with Webster in 2009 that ultimately didn't benefit the band.“Mr. Webster has operated as their personal manager in such a way as to maximize his personal financial benefit without regard to whether his actions benefited them, and even when he knew his actions would result in financial loss … for the Grascals,” according to the counterclaim.
The Grascals point to several improprieties based around potential conflicts of interest. In 2010, The Grascals recorded an album exclusively for Cracker Barrel, who is also a client for Webster. Part of their Cracker Barrel agreement was that for every CD purchased, a portion of the sales would be donated to St. Jude's.
Even though the CD was supposed to be available exclusively at Cracker Barrel, the band claims Webster and his agent, Jeremy Westby, bought albums from Cracker Barrel and allowed them to be resold at Grascals concerts.
“However, he failed to produce receipts to show the purchase from Cracker Barrel with regard to a number of albums he provided that The Grascals sold,” the counterclaim stated. “The Grascals are concerned that with regard to these albums, the advertised donation to St. Jude has not been made.”
And that's not all. The allegations regarding potential scummitude go on and on from there. Have a look at Pierce's story over at The City Paper.
Comments (60)
Showing 1-50 of 60
From a Grascal Fan: I want to see more of this happening around Music Row! There are just too many leaches/parasites living off of the musician/singer/songwriter community in Music City, USA. More and more musician/singer/songwriters need to become their own managers. It'd be worth the extra hard work to make sure they don't get screwed over in the future. More power to the musicians.
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Kirt Webster is a scumbag. I've worked with that jerk personally and he will take all the money he can get. Dude has more money than most of his clients.
I hope you take Webster to the cleaners. I bought the cd from Cracker Barrel and I hope the funds for "Strong" goes to St. Jude.
Tristan
If you’re not a wealthy celebrity, Webster will use and abuse you for everything you’ve got. If you are a wealthy celebrity, he’ll fetch anything you need, and bill you for as many meals and trips as he can get away with… wait, that’s not fair… he’ll have his slaves, er… staff fetch anything you need.
Webster is the epitome of an entertainment industry scam artist. He has been downright abusive to his staff, interns, vendors, clients and media. GoGrascals is right, he's a leach! If he's being kind to your face or appears to be helping you out, trust me, you're being robbed blind behind your back! He doesn't do anything for the love of the business or music. He does everything for money and to get his picture made at famous events and with politicians and celebrities so he can use that to sucker more clients. There are not many in this town that haven't crossed his path and been burned! Kudos to The Grascals! I believe that Music City will stand behind you to finally eject this leach from his "throne."
Kirt Webster is the biggest (in more than one way) loser in Nashville. He will smile at you, promise everything in the world, and then turn around and say the worst about you. He attempts to control the minds of innocent employees, talent and all others around him, by making you believe that he is a decent human being. There is nothing that Kirt Webster won't do to get what he wants. If this surprises you, I'm just waiting for the sexual harassment cases.
I know him well. Just a gherm that happened to land Hank Jr. as a client. After that they kept coming. I hope this is the catalyst that exposes Webster to Music Row and Nashville for what he truly is... a sick, sick man. And sweaty.
Kirt Webster is a sad excuse for a human being. He has no heart. No passion for anything but money. A pathetic, sad man who was constantly made fun of as child because of his weight and has now taken it out on the world
Everyone in this town HATES him and it has only been a matter of time for someone to have the nerve to come forward...I COMMEND the Grascals for taking this risk. People are afraid of him because he will stop at nothing to bring down anyone and it wouldn't shock me if he went to endless measures to cease any conflict. (not the mention the countless sexual harassment suits that i'm shocked have not been placed against him)
It is in a way sad to think that no one in his life (besides his parents) actually loves him...and he has no 'friends' because anyone he even considers a friend only uses him....
p.s. it's pathetic the lengths he goes to get himself photographed with celebrities!
you are a disgusting piece of trash that will get what is coming to you!
Congrats on how you have built your business and your integrity! you are a joke.
FINALLY the truth is being made public about this guy. Thank you Grascals!
Sexual harassment claims are squashed with perks, payoffs and threats - in that order. He scares most of them with his "non-compete" or "non-disclosure" agreement. Most of the poor victims are talented and young and scared of being black balled. This man is a bigot, a sexist and a sociopath. He makes fun of the poor, the sick and the handicapped. There is no low for him.
He takes advantage of young people with hopes and dreams because he thinks everyone else is in it for the same as him - to be a gherm and get perks and money. He doesn't recognize passion because he has none. It's about time everyone stood together to clear this trash out of Nashville. Jamie & company - I think you have a very large group standing behind you in this - move ahead without fear! I bet most of us wish that we had been as courageous as you are now.
Kirt Webster provides FREE public relations services to big celebrities such as George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Kid Rock and Hank Williams, Jr., then uses these big names to hook new bands such as the Grascals, the McClymonts and the Roys. He then runs all kinds of fraudulent scams on these new artists. Do George Jones and Kenny Rogers know that Kirt uses their names to steal from the new artists? Do the celebrities care as long as they are getting free services?
As an ex-slave...This man will use anyone as long as it will benefit him or he can get some free merchandise out of it! Charging a paying client three times over the actual amount for additional services and putting the profit it in his own pocket while still charging the same client an exorbitant fee monthly. Three quarters of the "Clients" on his website are non-paying and just for his ego and a couple of them probably do not even know he is using them on his site!!! He treats his employees like crap and takes all of the credit for their work while he sits back and pockets the money. The company usually retains about 8 employees or so, don't blink...the turnaround is so quick he is likely to go through 15-20 in a year, staff members come and go quickly as noone can stand to work for him very long....when people ask who you work for you don't want to tell the truth because you always get the same reaction..You work for Webster? Who did you piss off? All I can say is the dirty laundry list is long and it is about time someone cleans the clothes...it has been a long time coming and noone is more deserving of a good suing than Webster. Karma....
It looks like Webster found a new low this morning. Instead of plugging her own project, Janie Fricke made sure she made a statement about how professional Webster and Westby were, mentioning them specifically by name, along with the firm, twice. Does Webster really think the industry is stupid enough not to recognize this manipulation? I honestly do not know how anyone can take him seriously anymore. Webster, you are a coward sir! Speak up for yourself and make sure your clients don’t waste their air time cleaning up your messes!
The sad part is that Janie fired Webster by phone a couple of years ago and I am sure the new publicity stint with this album is because....
A. Free PR services
B. Webster is making a profit above what Janie will make
Webster does not know the first thing about producing an album... that is the best joke of 2012!! What a loser.
And I’m sorry y’all, but I know Hank does not benefit from the Grascal’s low pay on those shows and he does pay Kirt – a nice fee PLUS ridiculous expenses. I’ve got to wonder how much Webster makes for his appearances. I bet he made a mint off of all those campaign appearances in 2008. And who was behind that whiskey venture? I’m sure Webster is dipping his hand into everything he can. I know good ole Bocephus ain’t hurting for money but his name shouldn’t be dragged in as someone that benefits from all these perks from Webster. If he truly knew what was going on, he would be mortified!
Not all local media outlets have avoided this story. Some of us used some restraint, waiting to hear both the claim and the counterclaim before posting anything based on the initial gossip in bluegrass circles.
Certainly, forming an opinion before each side presents its COMPLETE case at trial (if this case is not otherwise settled out-of-court ) is as unfair as taking a cheap shot by posting anonymously.
I would ask that everyone who posts anything critical of Kirt Webster (or the Grascals, if that is to come) re: the Chancery Court case identify themselves. To do otherwise is cowardly.
Stacy Harris
Publisher/Executive Editor/Media Critic
Stacy's Music Row Report
http://stacyharris.com
The initial gossip in bluegrass circles is that ya can't make much money playing bluegress music. I would like to tell my companions that they need to take in a big, no HUGE lesson here and get back to the roots of the genre and do a little stuyding about Earl and his manager wife Louise. They seemed to have done things proper and right . Earl can still sell his music and music books/cd's/banjo strings (the merch) all over the world. Bluegrass folks just need to get back to the basics of doing business for themselves. When it comes right down to the nitty gritty of it all, bluegrass folks need to skip past Music Row and do their own darn music business dealings for themselves (repeating myself).
Stacy Harris you've got one of those awful web sites! It's a real bitch to try and read any of that stuff and if that's how you are spending your life, well, I'd recommend taking up a new hobby. I had to check out your web site since you come off all professional here and being so Music Row. When I started reading how you were slamming our Channel 4 Damitria (sorry D., did I spell your first name right and I just can never remember the spelling of your last name), with your petty observations, I thought damn this person really sucks...yes you really suck at being a media critic and dang if you aren't the suck up too. It takes cowardly little people like you to put other people down to make yourself feel big and important. Dang your elitism is disturbing. Check out the Grascals web site. It's pretty good. Maybe they'll give you the name of their webmaster so you can try to make a web site that doesn't suck and isn't worth the time checking out. Is it possible that you can't put money into having a better web site since you aren't getting sponsors to front you the money to do so? I suggest you take the time to set up a more professional web site if you are going to be putting your name out there like you are someone oh so important. Gloves off sister! Hey, I can suggest you join the NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) as a fan of music (if you are) for $150 a year and meet some real musician/singer/songwriters that a lot of music executives around Music Row won't even give them the time of day (I'm a witness!). Got to get into the trenches and see it all for yourself and then you will be able to write about real music life instead of being a critic of music life. I'm pretty sure Damitria's husband is a songwriter. You could start with going by Channel 4 and asking D. if you can have a real sit down conversation with her and her husband (and apoplogize), some real music and real media folks in the big ol Music City, USA. Come to think of it...HEY Channel 4, could you please get the investigative team on top of this story, RIGHT NOW PLEASE!!! I sure has heck would appreciate ya's helping out my fellow bluegrassers! T:L)
Dang it's late and this topic gets me all fired up. I hope you all will forgive some of my spelling errors...Nashville Scene peeps, you all recently added "like" and "dislike"...is it possilbe to add a "spell check"???
You can't erase the Internet, Kirt. Apparently MusicRow did report it ... and then suddenly the page disappeared. A simple Google search brings up the cached page with the news brief ...
Things that make you go "hmmm?" ...
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:x_U_BhayonsJ:www.musicrow.com/2012/02/legal-wranglings/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a
Nice of you to do Kirt's bidding Stacy! Some of us actually do know the inside story and when it come to Webster being a crook...that is Fact not an opinion. I have seen him have employees act like he had fired them just so he could have them go around to all of his ex-employees and see what they were saying about him...has he gotten to you too? As for posting anonymously..you have apparently never really known Kirt or you would know that he would jump on the first chance to hit you with a slander case. Check your facts and who you are dealing with before you stand behind him! Don't worry...when the actual case hits court..you will see plenty of people showing their identity and disgust while standing up to support the Grascals. As far as using restraint.. why did you pull the story from the site after it was clearly posted? Really?
Stacy, I really wanted to draft a comprehensive reply to your judgmental comment. I too expected to find a professional website dedicated to journalistic integrity that exposes some of the worst media cover ups of our time.
Instead I found a site that nit-picks common human errors, most of which have no impact on society. I find it mind boggling that you claim to hold local and national media accountable and there was no reference to SOPA on your main page. You should google it when you’re not busy confirming minutia; it’s kind of a big deal.
I am so happy that I am now aware that Scott Arnold mispronounced “Bonaparte” on December 26th! I hope he was questioned and punished for this great transgression.
That all being said, I have a report.
Stacy Harris referred to the barrage of comments on this article as being based on “initial gossip in bluegrass circles.” In fact, the majority of the content of the posts were based on factual accounts from real people, most of whom probably do not only run around in bluegrass circles, that have worked for or with Webster.
Thank you for calling everyone cowards. I am sure most of them are waiting for a trial before standing up and speaking. They certainly wouldn’t want to be distracted by harassment, bullying and nonsense lawsuits prior to that time.
And Stacy, clearly you haven’t worked closely with Webster for any length of time. Since you’re such an expert on “inconsistencies” you really should follow him around for a few days seeing if you could find any among the words that spill from his mouth. I’m sure you’ll have a lot of material for your site.
Now, if I had $10,000 set aside to put an attorney on retainer and install a high-tech security system at my residence, I would happily sign my name. However, for the time being, you will have to refer to me as just another…
Kirt Webster's days in Nashville are no doubt numbered. He has built himself a reputation as one of the most cut-throat people in the music industry, and why Nashville continues to put up with his "behind the scenes activities," is a question that looks like it might soon be answered. There are some things an attorney cannot help Webster with, and this time, finally, and hopefully his reign of dishonesty is coming to an end. He is going to come tumbling down from that wall just like Humpty Dumpty, and it is about time. Now maybe this will make others who run their businesses like Webster, know that what goes around, "always comes around." Congratulations to the Grascal's for opening the door to Webster's wrong doing.
Sad--But--True Stories:
A young artist-hopeful entered Kirt Webster's office with bright eyes and grand aspirations.
The young man announced that he'd like to film a music video and he had an investor who had allocated $30,000. Mr. Webster presented a line-item cost schedule to film the video at the total cost of $30,000--the boy-artist paid the bill in full. The "actual" expense to produce the video was a mere $10,000. Three weeks later, an in-ground pool was installed at the Webster residence.
At an industry event surrounded by peers, media and VIP's, Mr. Webster visited with a role model industry exec./freelance writer who was half his size. Outside, on the balcony, after a mild disagreement in the topic of discussion, Mr. Webster, with his big bold devious laugh, threatened to throw her from the balcony "Arms and Legs and All." "Just Joking!" Of course.
How can Webster look at himself in the mirror at the end of the day and say "I Did Something Good Today?"
Mirror, mirror on the wall...it's time for "Mr. E. Ville" to take the fall.
The terrible shame here is that Webster does not recognize that any of these things are wrong. In all the years I have known him, I have never witnessed him showing remorse for hurting anyone, just fear of getting caught.
This man is very sick and truly needs help. He uses all of the excitement of the business and drama that he creates to distract himself from how miserable he truly is.
As a matter of fact, the best advice I can give directly to Webster is to seek out a residential program to learn some life management skills. We all know why you are so miserable. They have programs suited specifically for your problem.
Whether he recognizes his problem or not, there is no excuse for his actions.
Webster has hurt so many people. And how exactly does keeping funds from innocent charities chalk up to a mental illness? It’s a freaking GREED illness is what it is!
Kirt Webster is not only selling celebrities to the media. He sells them to…
Fans! charging for meet and greets and access to “private” parties, often the celebrity is clueless that people paid for these things.
Companies! charging for appearances or endorsements, sometimes charging much more than the celebrity wanted and pocketing the difference, sometimes charging a fee when there would have been none at all.
Have you ever seen what this guy does to vendors? He’ll act like he’s doing photographers a favor then try to get a professional shoot for free at an event. Then he charges the client for providing the photographer! Lord help any laborers that work on any of his properties. Not only does he scam them out of money, he treats them like dirt.
Granted, I know his problem gets more and more expensive year after year and maybe he wouldn’t have to be so dishonest if it weren’t for all of his extra-curricular “activities.”
But it seems he only gets enjoyment out of a penny scammed; NOT a penny earned. He giggles in joy when he has profited by screwing someone over. I am NOT even exaggerating! Has Webster screwed you over? He’s actually had a good laugh at your expense too.
And he makes a lot of people cry…
Seriously… including his own clients… even corporate representatives from the very corporations he represents!
He spread VISCIOUS, DAMAGING rumours! The kind that get people fired, destroy marriages, cost people money and other things they value…
And, I’m sorry, but it IS amazing that there have not been any sexual harassment suits. I have seen that man do things to interns and employees that literally would warrant criminal charges. It’s truly disgusting how he preys on young people.
I’m sorry DirtyShame, but Webster is way past the point of getting help!
Knowing all these remarks are true, all of us with knowledge about the backstabbing, cut-throat, underhanded, cheating business practices of Kirt Webster should contact the Grascals attorney's, Cheatham & Palermo, and see if we can help the guys and the sick children of St. Jude.
It's nice to see how many fans of the Grascals and folks around the music business/industry are stepping up to the mic and putting in their 2 cents here. Everybody's 2 cents is adding up to a heck of a lot of what seems to be the uncovering of a Music Row cover-up. It'll be nice if this is a "WAKE UP CALL" for any other leaches/parasites, and while we are at it, might as well mention "Tiger Woods of Nashville" types, who are lurking in and around the music community in Music City, USA.
It looks like Stacy Harris changed her mind and posted quite a bit about this in her "Music Row Report."
I have so much to say about Stacy's in depth review of the claims, but I will let y'all form your own opinions for now.
I do think someone should ask Nick Pellegrino at NJP Entertainment about this. He signed The Grascals in June of 2009. He signed Sammy Kershaw around the same time. It was announced here:
http://encore.celebrityaccess.com/index.php?encoreId=197&articleId=31395
Oh, and what the hey... While I am posting links, y'all should checkout what Hank's fans think of Webster at www.hankfans.com and let's not forget to reminisce about some of the finest comic musings ever posted about our crazy little town at nashvilleroast.wordpress.com.
Happy reading my friends!
In follow-up to "AnotherWebsterEx"...Over an above our initiative to work together in support of the Grascals and the attorney team (Cheatham & Palermo) in their suit against Webster, an FBI investigation in "Brother Kirt's" involvement and partnership with Ronnie Gilley (Illegal Gambling) would prove to satisfy/prove our "claim" that Kirt Webster is a criminal.
Well at least for the next couple of weeks Webster will be treating his staff like royalty so they don't bail and tell! Of course, I don't think anyone currently there has been an employee for more than 6 months...go figure!
All of you people here say you know all of the facts, in fact, unless you were actually there, at every single dealing between Webster PR and the Grascals you really don't know, it is all hearsay at this point. Are you all just jealous of the success of Kirt Webster??? Give me a break. Here is a fact for all of you. As far as Cracker Barrel selling the Grascals CD's and some of the revenue going to St. Judes, and The Grascals claiming that Kirt Webster withheld money from St. Judes, has got to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. I believe that would be the responsibility of Cracker Barrel, last time I checked, Kirt Webster doesn't do payables or receivables for Cracker Barrel. As far as the Grascals claim that they never had any dealings with Jeremy Westby, hmmmmm, I recall Jeremy traveling with the Grascals on several occasions. I have seen the paper trail, and when this is all said and done, The Grascals aren't going to be better off, in fact this will probably do them much more harm than good. Webster is a PR firm, hello, PR get it?? I hope you are all enjoying yourselves with all of this not so factual B.S. I believe that most of this rhetoric is being posted by The Grascals themselves and their friends. Happy Trails.
You really called it, Tony Riner! Everyone here is jealous. They all want to be miserable, regardless of how many things they have, or how many clients, or how many opportunities. Webster is one of the saddest people I know. I have never seen someone have so many opportunities for happiness and still wallow in misery.
Think about it... All of Webster's employees, including "senior" staff, have left. Many without a new opportunity. These staff members enjoyed access to exclusive events, private air travel, meals, drinks, and perks that few people in this world, or even this business, can access. And... They all still left! They left to struggle in the beginnings of their own small independent firms. They left to work outside of the field. Some of them left just to live life. If there is one thing Webster & Associates can do for you, they will provide a life changing experience. It's like a prison camp, except he feeds you a lot - but mostly crappy Japanese steakhouse food. I thank heaven every single day that I do not stand in his shoes. If anyone out there is jealous of this sick man, I pity them.
And, please, review your comment. It does not even make sense. Someone with Kirt's resources should certainly be able to round up someone with some type of ability to draft a sufficient defense. He really should do so because this is starting to look pathetic.
Because we can't get enough Webster, for your reading enjoyment: http://www.examiner.com/country-music-in-nashville/nashville-s-pr-czar-to-the-stars-kirt-webster-chats-with-examiner
I'm just wondering when the class action lawsuit is coming? Sign me up when it does.
To Tony the moron.... You only have to be involved in one Webster dealing to see the light.... Or you can listen to 30 different people tell you about their 1 experience and they all end the same. Client gets screwed and Kirt pockets your cash. As for all of us posting.... I am sure we are all grascals fans but who have all worked closely with Webster at one time or another and we do know the inside story.. Because an ass is always an ass no matter how you look at it. Webster needs to go back to Arizona and stop breathing our air and screwing our friends. Jealous? You are confused, it is disgust.
I am seriously blown away by how many people are out there thinking the SAME EXACT thoughts as me! I could have written most of these comments myself!
I am right there for a class action suit, to testify on Webster's history for The Grascals or any other party that is seeking restitution for their losses due to Webster's actions.
I can actually see what I have termed "Webster Logic" in the comments left by "Tony" and Stacy. You can hear his words coming right through into their posts. I remember listening to him twist and weave his words to try to make his absurd actions seem justifiable.
And, it is so sad. Ex-Websters seem to have a sort of kinship that would come from a warzone or prison camp. I know some referred to it as the same as being raised together in an abusive foster home. "Try to stay under the radar when the abuser is on a rampage..." or, as I have seen... "Jump in front of your weaker sibling to protect them (and distract the abuser) when they just can't seem to take anymore." Webster was a master of dividing and conquering and, as a result, his ex-employees seem a bit fragmented, not fully trusting each other. And it's understandable. Some are clearly working for him behind the scenes in exchange for a pass here, a name drop there, a photo opp... I would love to find a way to get the true ex "crew" together. A class action suit would certainly be the perfect way to do so.
I hope one day the damage this man has done can be reversed for everyone.
Oh and by the way Tony... Kirt does not have to do payables as I have seen him do on many occasions...he just calls Cracker barrel and asks for a ridiculous amount of CD's for promotional reasons and I would bet my life those are the same CD's in question, sent right to Kirt from the CB warehouse in brown boxes that were then taken on the road and sold for a full profit to Kirt's pocket. No profits to the children at St. Jude's just lunch money for Kirt to use at Kobe. Not so ridiculous now is it?
OMG!!! This is my new favorite website... Yes, I am ex-Webster and would love to have a reunion with all of the "ex" crew!! There are at least 25 I can count just in the last 3 years! You can reach me on FB!!
Sincerely,
Donna Phillips Schacher
(aka...relieved I am employed elsewhere)
This is MY favorite new website too! I was just thinking how every morning has been like Christmas when I find a batch of fresh comments to read :)
As a matter of fact...
There should be an app for this... a facebook group... a twitter account... a blog... a website... a meetup...
Who did the song....What kind of fool do you think I am? Just got a new friend request on Facebook from Kirt's Lawyer. Not phased....and.....denied! Have a nice day! Really?
so so sad :(
It is getting to be a fun thing to do everyday = check up on the Nashville Scene Cream's Grascals' article comments. I've been burnt really badly by a music business/industry insider too in the past and it was quite a horrible experience and an emotionally devastating event in my life and directed the path in life I went on from having had that terrible experience. Keeping up to date on the comments here, I got to thinking it would be cool to have pre-show gatherings before every Grascal show each time they perform in and around Nashville. Everyone can wear their own red t-shirt with thier own homemade lettering of "STOP the BULLSHIT" (meaning in the music business/industry) on their own red t-shirt. That way everyone that has been burnt by back-stabbing assholes in and around the music business/ industry can find each other in a crowd. Hell, maybe we can all meetup and organize our own company in the music business/industry that has high quality standards for treating people with kindness and respect. After all, isn't it supposed to be about the music and how it can do wonders for people (can be uplifting and even have healing effects)? Why shouldn't the people that make great music be better recognized and treated with dignity and respect and be able to make a living in return. I say, "You Want A Revolution"? I'd like to recommend Adam Gold's article (I found online here in the Nashville Scene/Cream) about the Civil Wars (2 person group) and how, after trying things the usual way around Music Row, they bucked the typical system of Music Row and are super independent successful now. They are becoming quite the role model on how things could be done for more great musician/singer/songwriters and bands. I'm loving it! The world doesn't need leaches and parasites earning a living off of the music folks anyway. Not everyone around Music Row is a scumbag/sleezeball but it would be nice to erraticate the bad guys once and for all and keep a neighborhood watch out for any new leaches and perasites, and even "Tiger Woods of Nashville" types, trying to work their way into the music community again. And if anyone comes to town wanting to sleep (sex for favors) their way to success, well the neighborhood watch can put the word out early on them too, exposing the bullshit that so many of us would really like to see be stopped in the music community. It's too bad that it is still a lot more about who you know than what you know and who you are as a musician/singer/songwriter or band. I've seen a lot of great talent being passed by in Music City, USA because of that. It's no wonder why so many music folks come and go and never really call Nasvhille home.
This has become one of my favorite sites to check every day because it is a relief to see some of Webster's actions coming to light and it is nice to have a place for the "underdogs" of the music business to support each other.
I don't want any of my comments below to reflect on The Grascals, but I wanted to address the comment above.
I love the idea of having an organization to support struggling artists, songwriters, musicians and industry professionals to support each other. I have spoken to so many people over the years about some type of group. A lot of people planned to do something like that. I think it never comes to fruition for a few reasons. There is no money in it and those that are interested are too busy trying to at least make a living to put their time into it. If it supports honesty and integrity, it will not get support from the big guys.
Music Row is a community of everyone doing each other favors and if you don't have leverage, you're not going to get anywhere very fast.
Most "struggling" artists are not just looking to share their music. They are looking to become celebrities. Seriously, sit back and think about the actions of some independent artists you have worked with and ask yourself what their goal really was. There's also a whole group of people in this industry that are just in it to rub shoulders with famous people.
My questions is, how do you develop an organization to support the true independent artist (and others working on an independent level: pros, media, songwriters, musicians, etc.) that excludes vultures, celebrity seekers and phonies? If that problem ever gets solved, I'll become a charter member and make a generous donation.
- - - - -
Now, not to ignore the matter at hand...
Hang in their Grascals! You are pioneers in a revolution in Music City! You are going up against one of the most ruthless. Stand tall and strong!
Ex-Websters - continue your support of each other. Stand together and you will be safe. Defy Webster's "divide and conquer" mentality. You have officially survived one of the most notorious work places in Nashville.
Webster - get it together man. You're proving everyone right with your weak attempts at refuting this incredible MOVEMENT! Nevermind... Forget what I said. Keep being weak. This is way too much fun to watch.
I'm going to get some popcorn y'all :)
In response to "Fired-up" and "Underdogs"--there is a place where the artists/songwriters and other hopefuls can go for positive reinforcement--where hungry country music fans are catered to and starving artists' music can be heard. I just found this site--seems new--but the idea is to bring the artists (and their music) and the fans together. The fans get to "pick" the music they want to hear and the artists get direct feedback--not from Music Row, but the folks who really listen. Check it out. (musiccityradio.com)
Cracker Barrel sends out press releases on both The Grascals and Daley & Vincent winning SPBGMA Awards and Webster does not service the release on The Grascals.
As a matter of fact, for that tech savvy person way up the comment line that can get cached pages, first they just sent out the Daily & Vincent release, with Webster. Then Cracker Barrel amended their copy to include The Grascals. Now there are two separate copies.
You know Webster was the one who instigated the D&V release to show the industry that things were "business as usual." Poor CB realized, a little too late, that the blatant snub to The Grascals might be interpreted wrong and has been scrambling to do something since.
Do they not realize what a liability Webster is? If this doesn't show that he follows his own agenda with all his clients, I don't know what does. His copy even has errors in it - it was probably more important to him to get it out fast than to run a simple proofread.
For a man that tore everyone a new one over their "low quality" work, he sure is not putting his best foot forward.
And, as for the other posts, Music City Radio seems to be a service and I think they may be charging for artists to "showcase" their songs. It may be a very nice service, but I can't see how that will be all about the artistry.
Here's something new going on in Nashville, TN in the big red Cummins Station building on 10th Ave. S...check out www.listeningroomcafe.com , click "shows", in month of February click 22 "Chris Blair's Stories Behind the Songs" (Chris is the owner of The Listening Room Cafe and a musician/singer/songwriter himself), and see the cool new thing happening on Wednesdays at TLRC. Wednesday, 22 February will be the premiere of the latest Wenesday night series broadcasting live to a worldwide audience on RenegadeRadioNashville.com , ["The first interent station in history with reporting status."] I was at the Grand Opening of The Listening Room Cafe back in September of 2008 (I think it was...time and years are flying by). Chris is one of the most caring, kind and genuine of the music folks around the big ol Music City, USA. He's made a great sounding room for music artists to perform "live" in an intimate setting. I drop in on occsasion and always seem to find some pretty big name music folks playing there (i.e., one of my favorite songwriters, Rivers Rutherford). It'd be cool to be at the premiere of this new radio show and broadcast or at least get on the web and listen to it "live". I am wondering if there will be a "live" stream of the performances. This is some pretty exciting news. The Listening Room Cafe would be a safe and fun meetup place for folks that have been commenting here and are wanting to get together. It's a good place for drinks, a meal and enjoying "live" music. No effort...just show up! And for the anti-KW folks, you can always wear a little sticker with "NO KW" ...in other words, letting KW know no one wants to see him hanging out there. That'd be a pretty good slap in the face.
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