Performers Announced For MusicRow's 15th Annual Country Radio Meet & Greet And CountryBreakout Awards

Pictured (L-R): Alex Smith (courtesy of artist), Rachael Turner (photo: Erik Xydis).

MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, is proud to reveal rising country newcomers Rachael Turner (Rustic Records) and Alex Smith (Lila Records) as performers for the 2017 MusicRow Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards.

The invitation-only event will be held in February for subscribed members of MusicRow magazine, affiliates and country radio broadcasters just shortly ahead of the 2017 Country Radio Seminar.

“The MusicRow reporting panel represents some of the best stations in secondary markets and it is a privilege to shine a spotlight on the most-played artists from the CountryBreakout chart for the previous year, in addition to honoring an exemplary MusicRow chart reporter and giving nods to the songwriter with the most No. 1s,” says MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “We are excited to showcase two performances at the meet & greet with new artists also making waves on our chart, Alex Smith and Rachael Turner.”

The gathering will also reveal the winners of 2017 CountryBreakout Awards, tallied from their chart performances on the MusicRow chart in 2016. Those categories include Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, Breakout Artist of the Year, Independent Artist of the Year, Label of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and the selected Reporter of the Year honor.

In addition to exclusive editorial, each winner will be profiled in MusicRow‘s Country Radio print issue, which will debut at the Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards. Complementary issues of MusicRow‘s Country Radio issue will be available at the CountryBreakout event and throughout the Country Radio Seminar. Subscribers will receive their print copies by mail. Additional issues will be available for purchase at musicrow.com or at the publication’s 17th Avenue headquarters in Nashville.

To receive your invite to the 2017 MusicRow Country Radio Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards, subscribe today at musicrow.com.

About the 2017 MusicRow Country Radio Meet & Greet And CountryBreakout Performers:

Rachael Turner (Rustic Records): Rachael Turner’s vocals and unique spin on traditional and modern country have brought a breath of fresh air to the genre. Originally from Sugar Land, Texas, Rachael now resides in Nashville and is signed to long-standing independent record label, Rustic Records. Her first two singles peaked at No. 22 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart, including Turner’s “Aftershock,” which showcases her ability to blend classic country with modern influences. No stranger to the stage, Turner has almost 15 years of singing experience since her first solo performance at the ripe age of 11. As a performer throughout her teen years, Turner decided to take her experience and talents to Belmont University. It was there that she harnessed her skills with degrees in vocal performance and music business, and made the decision to pursue not only music, but country music. Turner’s passion for country music bloomed after falling in love with artists such as Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Jo Dee Messina and Faith Hill. Turner kicks off the New Year with the mid-tempo story-like song “Hurts Don’t It.” The new and current release showcases Turner’s range and flexibility while capturing the emotional turmoil involved in finding the strength to leave a toxic romance. For more information, contact Rustic Records, Inc. at [email protected]

Alex Smith (Lila Records): A baseball pitcher during high school in Alexandria, Louisiana, Alex Smith decided to pursue hits of a different kind after graduation. The personable 23-year-old commands attention, whether on stage, in music videos or on social media. Smith’s live-for-the-moment first single, “Load It Up,” has even climbed to No. 32 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart. Smith comes from two generations of musicians, with his father and grandfather’s influence. It wasn’t until his early teens that Smith decided to follow the same path his father had as a working musician. After playing the video game Guitar Hero, the youngster—who later regretted quitting piano lessons—became self-taught on the Taylor guitar his father gave him by watching YouTube instructional videos. While still in college in Lafayette, Louisiana, Smith took note of friends making good money from just a few hours of “work” while performing music around town. Smith landed a one-hour gig at a local daiquiri shop, which eventually led to playing enough venues to pay his way through school. The singer-songwriter began making trips to Nashville, and has since opened shows for Brett Eldredge and Uncle Kracker. He starts touring extensively in 2017 with his new band of Nashville musicians. Smith recorded his debut EP, Fear of Missing Out, at Blackbird Studios with producer Ryan Sutton. The project is available on his website and iTunes.