Cable Music Channels

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The cable music channels have been taking on a new look lately.  Not too long ago these channels were dedicated to playing music videos pretty much around the clock.  They now have programming that includes, “The Little House on the Prairie” on CMT, the “Monkees” on Much More Music and movies on Much Music.  I really don’t know what the mandate is on these specialized cable channels, however, while the house on the prairie is considered a nice, wholesome show, it has no reference to music outside of the credits and background music.  This used to be an exciting format, introducing new artists and getting involved with the creative process of video making as well as creating a platform for new talent in Canada.  And it could be done on a limited budget. Now, even the major record companies, who often spend a million dollars on a video, are feeling the pinch, as Canadian cable music channels offer a different kind of entertainment on prime time.

“Ararat”, a movie produced in part in Alberta, opened this past month and did remarkably well during it's opening weekend. According to the figures released by Exhibitor Relations Co. "Ararat" earned over $210,000 in North America despite the fact that it was released to only six theaters: Three in the Los Angeles area, two in New York and one in Toronto.  Of all the movies that were playing in 40 theaters or less, "Ararat” was ranked number 1. It was followed by "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" (23 theaters, $114,000) and Santa vs. the Snowman (21 theaters, $112,000).  Looking at the number of dollars earned per theater, "Ararat" beat the competition by a long shot.  It earned just over $35,000 per theater, followed by "Harry potter" with almost $24,000 per theater and "Far From Heaven" with almost $17,000 per theater.

Canadian country music lost one of its pioneers last month with the passing of Hank Smith.  Hank was a strong proponent of country music and especially Canadian country music.  Hank was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and also received the Order of Canada for his efforts in promoting and representing his adopted homeland.

Speaking of country music, when it comes to categorizing and classifying country music, the man who started the whole thing was a jazz/blues musician from the twenties out of Biloxi, Mississippi.  The fact that country music has a western image was a marketing idea by the singing railroad brakeman, Jimmie Rodgers.  He looked at various ways to create an image and the one he liked best was the western style.  By donning a cowboy hat he complemented his unique yodeling style in southern blues. Jimmie Rodgers, the undisputed father of country music was no cowboy, but the image fit.  So if you see a lot of cowboy hats on country singers these days, you know who to blame.

All the best to you this holiday!

Fustuk