AT GRAMMY UNIVERSITY WITH ... Sugarland

The visiting "professors" of sorts who — at the Atlanta chapter of the Recording Academy's request — spent some time before their two sold-out shows at the Fox Theatre to perform for, and take questions from, about 15 college students interested in the music business.

Rick Diamond/WireImage (ENLARGE)
Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush get comfortable as they speak with college students about the music business.
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Here's what Atlanta's Grammy-nominated country duo had to say about:

• The music business these days: "Most of the music business now — if you don't know — is scared [expletive]-less," guitarist Kristian Bush offered.

"Luckily, we went to [the record label] with very clear ideas, because if you don't do that now, they're gonna let you down," added lead vocalist Jennifer Nettles.

"The good thing about a record company is they can mark [your records] music," Bush added. "Everything else is debatable."

• The best way to stand out as a recording artist: "Put on a good show and have a whole lot of people there," Nettles said. "Put on a jam-up live show that nobody else can duplicate."

• How to snag an opening slot for a major act: (As Atlanta artist Zac Brown did for the Fox dates). "That was always the trick when I was in an independent band," said Bush, referring to his Billy Pilgrim days. "I would say get a good booking agent. Network with club owners and talent buyers."

• How they snagged the deal to have "Good Morning America's" theme song: "They just came to us and said 'Can y'all write a song that will be the theme for a limited time,' and Kristian said, 'I think we already wrote it.' " (So they changed a few things around in the single "Everyday America," from their double-platinum latest CD "Enjoy the Ride," and that was it.)

• The opportunity they wish they would have taken advantage of when they were struggling on the local music scene: "There isn't really a bowling alley or a coffeehouse we haven't played in this city — between the both of us," Bush said.

HEAR WHAT, WHERE AND WHY

Dynamic R&B and jazz singer Lalah Hathaway April 12 at Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St. She's the headliner for Grown Folks Radio Presents. ... Michael Baisden live, and is almost certain to preview selections her upcoming CD "Self Portrait," due in stores June 3. Doors open at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $30 at the box office, 404-885-1365 and Ticketmaster, 404-249-6400 or www.ticketmaster.com. For more information go to www.centerstage-atlanta.com.