CMT Reveals Year-Long Mentorship Program For New Artists

Parker McKay

CMT continues to support new artists via its latest initiative, a year-long mentorship program for aspiring artists. The network is extending its Artist Discovery program by hosting 12 unsigned emerging country artists in its CMT Studio in Nashville, to record demos with top music producers.

After demos are recorded, each artist will have the opportunity to be mentored by industry leaders and tastemakers. The first recording session will pair emerging female artist Parker McKay with producer Alex Kline, who has worked with stars such as Reba, Terri Clark and “CMT Next Women of Country” member Tara Thompson.

Advisors for the program will include Sweet Talk Publicity president/owner Jensen Sussman; songwriter and Liz Rose Music Publishing owner Liz Rose; mtheory Nashville president Cameo Carlson; Maverick Management head of Marketing & Digital Strategy Cameo Carlson; Atlas Music Publishing/A&R consultant Tracy Gershon, and Fusion Artist Management’s Daniel Miller.

“We are proud to expand CMT’s Artist Discovery program,” said Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President of Music and Talent, CMT. “Many unsigned artists do not have the financial resources for professional demos, or guidance on how to propel their careers forward, and this first-of-its-kind program can provide both.”

CMT’s Artist Discovery program launched in 2014; the six-week program highlights unsigned artists, promoting them through all CMT platforms.