1- Can you introduce yourself in a few
words and explain us what's your job at the CMA ?
My
name is Bobbi Boyce and I am the CMA International Director.
I have worked with CMA since 1992 and I work with all the countries
outside of USA. I will liaise with members of CMA, work on the
CDX subscription service, Chair the UK Advisory Group, work
with international media at the CMA Music Festival and CMA Awards
- the list is wide and varied.
2-
What's the aim of CMA ?
The
mission is to guide and enhance the development of Country Music
throughout the world: to provide an ongoing public relations
initiative for the Country Music industry and to demonstrate
Country Muisc as a viable business medium for advertisers.
3-
Who are your favorites artists?
There
are too many to list, I like artists from mainstream as well
as Country, but it is usually the song that gets my attention
first.
4-
What do you think about country music evolution ?
I
think it is healthy. There always has to be change, and not
everyone will like that, but we usually get used to it. I think
there are some amazing newer artists at the moment and I think
it is a very exciting time to be involved in the music.
5-
What do you think about americans artists performing in Europe
and especially in France, as Hal Ketchum, David Lee Murphy,
Marty Stuart, etc...?
I
believe Country Music is a genre that all fans from all countries
can enjoy given the chance to see and hear the artists. Obviously,
different artists will appeal more in one territory than another,
but that is the same whatever genre you are looking at. At CMA
we started an initiative called New from Nashville, to bring
over 2 or 3 artists on a yearly basis. The first one was in
05 and included Jessi Alexander, Jamie O'Neal and Jon Randall.
In 2006 we are bringing Dierks Bentley and Jace Everett and
have expanded the shows from two shows in the UK, to include
a third show in Dublin. We are building this initiative slowly
and hope as time goes on to include dates in other territories
as well. I think it is imperative for artists to tour, if they
come back over a period of time they can develop a fan base
that is loyal and dedicated.
6-
How we must work in France to promote country music correctly
? Give us pieces of advices...
I
think all the professionals working in the industry in France
are doing a great job. I think television is always a key to
success and expanding the growth of the music and any expansion
of the coverage Country Music gets on television there, would
help the industry. I would like to see the CMA Awards back being
broadcast on France television. You have tour operators bring
fans into the CMA Music Festival, you have great festivals,
dedicated radio broadcasters including Georges Lang on RTL.
7-
Can you imagine that people in the world, and especially in
Europe, and especially in France could listen country music...and
appreciate it ?
I
think the fan base in France is already a loyal one. We have
many French media come into to the CMA Music Festival to cover
the event and that is reflective of the audience at home.
8-
What's your best memory about country music ? and the baddest
?
I
probably shouldn't say!!
9-
How do you explain popularity of country music and of the CMA
?
It
is a many different things. I think there is a "heart"
in Country Music that you don't find necessarily in other music.
I think the artists are dedicated to their fans and likewise
the fans to the artists. I think there are the best songs and
the best musicians in Country Music. I think there are so many
different reasons. I think CMA's success is because it is professional
and caring at the same time, it listens to the artists. It is
not afraid to make changes and it works in the best interests
of the industry.
10-
The FACM ( French Association of Country Music) organize the
French Country Music Awards in France since 3 years now. Our
awards are now well know in the USA (more than in France). George
Strait, the Dixie Chicks, Darryl Worley, Brooks & Dunn,
etc...wrote to thank us for nominations. What do you think about
that, and how could we work together?
I
think it is very exciting for the artists to be nominated and
I think the fact it is in its third year and growing, it significant
to both your professionalism and dedication. Let you and I talk
separately about how we could work together.
11-
Some words for FACM and Country music fans in France ?
What
else can I say, but thank you for everything you do for Country
Music in France, the fans, the dedicated group of industry execs
all make such a difference and will continue to. Thank you.
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