Who Has The GPS?

Some times the seeds you plant grow ... they sure did last year. Some young seedlings blossomed into the big time in 2012 with 2013 ever so bright.

With Blake Shelton taking the victory lap in 2012, you just know 2013 with be the young guns. But before you give it reigns to the boys, better check the box office on the two leading ladies. Carrie's tour is crossing into 2013 and Taylor -- did you see opening day sales for her?

The cash registers all already full for the next 12 months. The festivals, arenas, sheds and stadiums are busting out with the two dozen Country acts vying for business.

Country is the new pop. You hear that every week. Luke Bryan getting a big write-up in the LA Times. Aldean on all the major shows. The bench is pretty deep right now.

TV sure doesn't hurt all this. "The Voice" ... soon "American Idol" for Keith. Brad and Carrie getting three hours of prime time with all the promos didn't hurt their careers. Not everyone is ready for prime time, but the spotlight is on. Who knows what the long-term prospects for ABC's "Nashville" are, but it's a big fat commercial for Music City. Young women in the audience. TV and social media have so far been a huge help for all of Country music.

The cool factor for Country is high right now. The youth vote is in and from Taylor with the young girls to the coeds chasing Luke Bryan.

Just have to figure a way for the artists outside the "flavor of the month club" to still be in the game.

Country music is a huge genre ... very diverse. Think about it. From the bluegrass to Americana to bubblegum Country and southern rock. Classic stone-cold Country to "How can they be called Country?" stuff.

The theft of the music let the air out of the tires. Stealing music and the continued growth of the internet changed all the rules forever. The "death of the CD and download everything" has affected the bottom line and budgets. It's not all good, but it is what it is.

The traditional studios ... the studio musicians ... the production budgets ... the tour costs ... nothing seems the way it was even three years ago.

The lightning changes in taste are nothing new, but this time the old and new switched in a few months.

It has been exciting and scary all at the same time. Money is tight but with that said, Taylor sells out in five minutes.

Better decide to run faster and lighter in 2013. Better have a 12-year-old neighbor or family member to keep you tuned in. If you are still afraid of technology, God help you.

No one has the answers. No magic formulas. It's faster than you think but not as different as you think, too.

Check One Direction. That's as old school as you can get -- just brought up to 2012 specs. The same things work ... just with fancy new titles.

Reinvention. Rebirth. Take nothing for granted. One size does NOT fit all.

Good luck to all in this game. If you are a good guy, I hope you finish first.