Sunset Sessions Highlight Superstars And Those On The Verge

Melissa Etheridge performs for a packed room at the 13th Sunset Sessions in San Diego. Fanfarlo, One Eskimo, The John Butler Trio, and Bob Schneider were among the many highlights…

Simon Balthazar of Fanfarlo. Photo by Gene Murrell

Adult Rock Radio Programmers and Music Supervisors from television, film, and the agency world converged in San Diego this weekend for  Michele Clark’s 13th Sunset Sessions.

Strong attendance and an extremely robust lineup left the impression that the event, even after 13 years, had more momentum than ever.

In all, 37 acts played over the three-day event.

An amazing Friday night lineup that featured Fanfarlo, One Eskimo, and the John Butler Trio  was broadcast live on San Diego’s 102.1 KPRI.

One Eskimo's Kristian Leontiou. Photo by Gene Murrell

One Eskimo had the room mesmerized as their track Kandi is now breaking at Commercial AAA radio after early adoption at public radio.

Butler’s One Way Road, from the forthcoming album April Uprising is currently #1 in his native Australia — the single arriving at Adult Rock Radio in the U.S. this week. Guitar gurus will celebrate the fact that Butler breaks out an electric guitar for the first time with the new album.

John Butler. Photo by Gene Murrell

In addition to all the music, there were panel discussions relating to the state of adult rock radio and the world of music supervision.

Tight budgets dominated the music supervision discussions with supes looking for creative ways to stretch their dollars. One tactic mentioned is the emerging practice of going for known artists and songs for first-run television shows, but then stripping those titles out for gratis performances from indie musicians when the program goes to syndication and DVD.

Among the Saturday highlights was a Q & A and acoustic performance from Melissa Etheridge, attended by a packed room of industry professionals and fans from KPRI.

Melissa Etheridge. Photo by Gene Murrell

KPRI’s Bob Hughes hosted the event, with Melissa relating stories about the increasing amount of grief she’s taking from her 13 and 11-year-olds, as well as taking questions and requests from those in attendance.

Melissa’s single Fearless Love is making strong moves up the Commercial AAA charts, with the album streeting on April 27th.

Check out the just-released video for Fearless Love: