On The Row: The Band Steele

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The Band Steele. Photo: Haley Crow

About an hour south of Muscle Shoals, Bo Steele and Ben Rubino grew up in a town with one red light called Double Springs, Alabama. After Rubino heard Steele cover a Seether song at the high school talent show, he and his brother asked Steele to join their band. They called it The Band Steele. Not long after, a viral video of Steele covering “Victory In Jesus” in a hospital waiting room caught the attention of a record label in New York.

The southern rock band stopped by the MusicRow office on Tuesday (Jan. 8) to share an acoustic sampling of their 2017 album, Moon In A Mason Jar.

“In high school we grew up listening to a lot of rock and roll, like Audioslave,” Rubino said. “And we started out writing a lot of rock songs but eventually Alabama got a hold of us and the older we got, the more country our songs were getting.”

“The more relaxed we got,” Steele added with a laugh. “Less angry and rebellious.”

With a sound comparable to the likes of both Scott Stapp (Creed) and Darius Rucker, Steele commands a huge voice with an Eddie Vedder tone. His powerful delivery paired with Rubino’s texturizing harmonies create a fresh sincerity in songs like “Swimmin’ In The Sipsey,” a tune that tells the story of the band’s upbringing around the swampy Sipsey river.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Lorie Hollabaugh, Alex Kobrick, The Band Steele’s Ben Rubino, Bo Steele, MusicRow‘s LB Rogers, Jessica Nicholson, Haley Crow, Grassroots Promotion’s Renee McClure

Their antsy “Red Moon River” was inspired by a family story about running moonshine.

“My Grandpa used to tell me about running moonshine, and I didn’t believe them but they said they used to drive the backroads in town with the headlights off at night,” said Steele. “And then one day they turned the headlights off and I thought I was going to die.”

The Band Steele’s current single, “Sit Awhile,” shows off the band’s songwriting as it reflects on finding solace in the trouble of life. “Sit Awhile” was inspired by Steele’s step-father’s death, and not long after they wrote the song, Rubino’s mother passed away. They, along with their fans, have found the track healing. Rubino recalled the comments listeners have left on their video that have made them realize the impact of the song.

“That one means a lot to us,” Rubino said. “The response to it is really what has been so incredible.” After military members gravitated toward “Sit Awhile,” the band dedicated the music video to those who have served.

Nashville Industry Celebrates Jason Aldean’s 21st Chart-Topper “Drowns The Whiskey”

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Pictured (L-R): Josh Thompson (BMI/Big Machine), Michael Knox (producer), Jason Aldean, Brandon Kinney (BMI/Tom Leis Music-Sony/ATV), Jeff Middleton (BMI/Liz Rose Music). Photo: Steve Lowry

Jason Aldean says he has Tyler Farr to thank for his 21st No. 1 single, “Drowns The Whiskey,” featuring Miranda Lambert.

“I was recording a few songs on Tyler for his album and I found ‘Drowns The Whiskey’ and played it for him,” Aldean told a crowd of industry well-wishers as they gathered Tuesday (Jan. 8) at Nashville’s Cambria Hotel to celebrate the chart-topper.

“Tyler said, ‘Man, all my songs are about drinking and I don’t think I need any more.’ I said, ‘If you don’t cut this thing, I’m going to.’ It is just an amazing song.”

The track was penned by Josh Thompson (Big Machine Music), Brandon Kinney (Tom Leis Music-Sony/ATV) and Jeff Middleton (Liz Rose Music). Aldean’s vocal cohort on the song, Lambert, was not in attendance.

BMI’s David Preston and Leslie Roberts were on hand to celebrate the artists and writers on the song, as was Pinnacle Bank. Pinnacle made a donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Others heralding the song’s success included BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, Broken Bow’s Carson James, and CMA’s Brandi Simms.

Molinar noted the song marks Thompson’s third No. 1 hit in 18 months, with two of those tracks being songs Aldean recorded (the other Aldean hit being “Any Ol’ Barstool”).

“I think everyone recognizes that ‘Drowns The Whiskey’ is going to be one of those songs that lasts, and not just as a radio recurrent or in Jason’s arena tours, but wherever there is a bar and a jukebox and a guy or girl with a broken heart, they are probably going to play this song. This is real country music that is moving real people.”

Liz Rose Music’s Liz Rose said, “I started out as a publisher and a song plugger, so this is awesome. Why I’m in this business is to sign songwriters like Jeff Middleton and see their dreams come true.”

Leslie DiPiero, who is General Manager at Tree Vibez Music, but is still involved in Tom-Leis Music, praised Kinney, who was celebrating his very first No. 1 song. “I’m supposed to be a silent partner at Tom-Leis now, but anyone who knows me knows that’s not going to be the case. I’ve worked with Brandon for about a decade and every day I’ve watched him show up and give his best.”

Thompson thanked the artists and his co-writers, using his signature wit. “This song has been a hell of a ride from the time we wrote it til the time it actually got cut. Knox, Jason you crushed the song and Miranda just sprinkled the magic on it,” Thompson said. “Brandon and Jeff, thanks for being in the room while I wrote the song,” he quipped.

“This is a story about when someone sticks to something,” Middleton offered. “Jason [Aldean] stuck with this song for a long time and Liz has stuck with me as a writer for a long time. I’ve stuck around this town for a long time. The day this song was cut, I took a job in accounting, so I do a lot of math these days,” says Middleton, who also works for Waitr & Associates. “So it’s been a weird road and I’m grateful to be here with a No. 1. Josh, Brandon, thank you for you know drinking the whiskey while I wrote the song,” he joked. “But seriously, thank you to everyone for coming.”

“Yes, we drank a lot of whiskey when we wrote this song. If that’s all we did, we did our part, I guarantee you,” Kinney said. “First I want to thank my family for always standing beside me—my mom and dad. The DiPieros and Sony and Knox, thanks for believing in me enough tot sign me. Aldean, you killed it. I’ve been trying to get a cut on you for a long time. I almost had a No. 1 one time and you kicked me out of that,” he quipped. “We had Randy Houser’s ‘Boots On’ at No. 2 and I said, ‘I think we’re going for No. 1 this week,’ and what does ‘Big Green Tractor’ do? Plows right over our asses. But I didn’t not know the same [person] was going to give me my first No. 1.

“I love country music y’all. Ever since I was little, I dreamed of it. And here I am with my friends and family,” Kinney concluded.

Knox said that the song is intensely personal. “I got to be part of Josh Thompson’s first record, Brandon writes for me and Sony doesn’t hold a grudge on me, that’s awesome. Me and Jason forever, Broken Bow is a family to me, and Jeff works for the company that watches my money, so trying to weigh out which one’s more important—I think Jeff wins that,” he quipped.

“Thanks to radio for playing a song that has a little bit of a traditional feel to it,” Aldean summed. “I feel like songs like this don’t come on the radio a lot, so thanks for still playing something that’s actually country, a little bit. Miranda is not here, but I thought this was a good song but once she got on it, it became a phenomenal song. It was one of the biggest songs of the year, and that was because it was well-written, well-produced, and I tried to sing it as best as I could.”

Warner/Chappell, Cornman Music Sign Will Bundy

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Pictured (L-R) Back row: T.D. Ruth (Serling Rooks), Ben Vaughn (Warner/Chappell), Jessi Vaughn (Warner/Chappell). Front row: Brett James (Cornman Music), Will Bundy, Nate Lowery (Cornman Music)

Songwriter Will Bundy has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Nashville and Cornman Music.

A ninth-generation cattle farmer turned songwriter, Bundy was born and raised in Southwest Virginia. He learned to play guitar at a young age, and in 2016 moved to Nashville to pursue music. In addition to songwriting, Bundy records and produces music.

“We are so stoked to have Will Bundy join the Cornman family,” said Cornman Music’s Brett James. “He’s an incredible talent and a great guy and we can’t wait to see all of the success that his future holds.”

Marty Brown Inks Deal With Plowboy Records

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Pictured: Plowboy Records General Manager Ben Ewing, Marty Brown and Plowboy Records President Shannon Pollard

Marty Brown has joined the Plowboy Records roster.

Brown is currently putting the finishing touches on his latest album, which is due out this Spring. The initial radio single is set for release in February. Publicity for the new project is being handled by Martha Moore of so much MOORE media.

To date, Brown has recorded four studio albums, including three for MCA: High and Dry (1991), Wild Kentucky Skies (1993) and Cryin’, Lovin’, Leavin’ (1994). He released Here’s To The Honkytonks (1996) via HighTone. Brown also co-wrote Tracy Byrd’s hit “I’m From The Country,” and Trace Adkins’ “When I Stop Loving You,” among others. Brown also appeared on season eight of America’s Got Talent and was previously signed to Keith Stegall’s Dreamlined Entertainment.

Rezonant Closes 2018 With 21 of Top 100 Mediabase Country Singles of the Year

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Rezonant Music Publishing had 21 of the Top 100 singles of the year according to the Mediabase year-end review. These songs included such hits as Ross Copperman’s “Get Along” (Kenny Chesney); Scooter Carusoe’s “For the First Time” (Darius Rucker); Trevor Rosen’s “Hotel Key” (Old Dominion); Hillary Lindsey’s “Take Back Home Girl” (Chris Lane) and Mitch Rossell’s “All Day Long” (Garth Brooks).

“The Rezonant music family is associated with a remarkable group of writers who have created some of 2018’s most diverse and memorable songs,” said Rezonant’s CEO Tim Wipperman. “It is a testament to their creativity that artists who are at the top of their respective games turn to them when looking for a great song to cut and take to their fans. While some may think it will be a challenge to top such a great year, I’ve heard some of the new songs that these incredibly talented writers are working on, and have no doubt they will see even greater success this time next year.”

Cassadee Pope To Release Sophomore Album ‘Stages’ In February

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Cassadee Pope will release her second album, Stages, on Feb. 1. Produced by Corey Crowder, who co-wrote her Grammy-nominated collaboration “Think of You” with Chris Young, Stages chronicles Pope’s personal journey and evolution over the past few years, throughout 11 original songs. The album also marks her first independent full-length project following her exit from Big Machine Label Group.

The album kicks off with Cassadee’s two recently released singles, “Take You Home” and “One More Red Light,” which Pope debuted live on Pickler & Ben.

In April, Pope will take to the road on her first headlining tour, the 2019 CMT Next Women of Country Tour. Pope will be joined by Clare Dunn and Hannah Ellis on the trek. Pope launched her music career as the leader of rock band Hey Monday, before winning season three of The Voice and releasing her debut album Frame By Frame on BMLG’s Republic Nashville imprint. Her single “Wasting All These Tears” went Platinum, before she teamed with Young for the Grammy-nominated “Think of You.” In 2018, Pope had the distinction of being the only country artist to perform on the Warped Tour.

Florida Georgia Line Announces Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour

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Florida Georgia Line is heading back out on the road later this year on their 2019 Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour.

The trek launches June 13 at Walmart AMP in Rogers, Arkansas, and will include Dan + Shay and Morgan Wallen as special guests on all of the dates, along with Hardy and Canaan Smith on select stops. The duo will crisscross the country, winding down the tour on Sept. 28 at FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California.

Tickets will be available beginning Jan. 25 for select cities as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket, while additional dates and on-sale information will continue to roll out over the coming weeks.

During the shows fans are sure to catch songs from FGL’s 19-deep track list of their anticipated new album, including their current chart-rising single, “Talk You Out of It.” Captained by longtime producer Joey Moi with FGL notching their first co-producer credit, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country drops Feb. 15, complete with heavy-hitting guest collaborations with Jason Derulo, Jason Aldean, and Hardy.

FGL’s Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour Dates:
JUNE
13 | Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP*
14 | Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion*
15 | Southaven, MS – BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove*

JULY
11 | Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center*
12 | Boston, MA – Xfinity Center*
13 | Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion*
18 | Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion*
19 | Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre*
20 | Jones Beach, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater*
25 | Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach*
26 | Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park*
27 | Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion*

AUGUST
1 | Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
2 | Pittsburgh, PA – KeyBank Pavilion*
3 | Washington, D.C. – Jiffy Lube Live*
8 | St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
9 | Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
15 | Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview+
16 | Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain+
17 | Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium+
22 | Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre+
23 | Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center+
24 | Darien, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater+
29 | West Palm Beach, FL – Coral Sky Amphitheatre+
30 | Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre+
31 | Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood+

SEPTEMBER
7 | Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis Motor Speedway – FGL Fest
12 | Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre+
13 | Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre+
14 | Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater+
19 | Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion+
20 | San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheater+
21 | San Bernardino, CA – Glen Helen Amphitheater+
26 | Sacramento, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre+
27 | Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre+
28 | Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre+

*HARDY
+Canaan Smith

Steve Earle Pays Tribute To Songwriting Hero Guy Clark On Latest Project

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Steve Earle is paying homage to his songwriting mentor and longtime friend, the legendary Guy Clark, with his latest album GUY. Set for release on March 29 on New West Records, the 16-song set is comprised of songs written by Clark and was produced by Earle and recorded by his longtime production partner Ray Kennedy.

The project is also a cornucopia of guests, with fellow Guy Clark cohorts Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Terry Allen, Jerry Jeff Walker, Mickey Raphael, Shawn Camp, Verlon Thompson, Gary Nicholson, and the photographer Jim McGuire all contributing. It also features his latest incarnation of his backing band The Dukes which includes Kelley Looney on bass, Chris Masterson on guitar, Eleanor Whitmore on fiddle & mandolin, Ricky Ray Jackson on pedal steel guitar, and Brad Pemberton on drums & percussion.

Earle first met Guy Clark after hitchhiking from San Antonio to Nashville in 1974, and a few months after his arrival, found himself taking over for a young Rodney Crowell as bassist in Guy’s band.

“Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark were like Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg to me,” said Earle. “If you asked Townes what it’s all about, he’d hand you a copy of Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee.  If you asked Guy the same question, he’d take out a piece of paper and teach you how to diagram a song, what goes where.”

For Earle, making the record was a tonic of sorts and something he had to do to honor his old friend. “As you live your life, you pile up these regrets. I’ve done a lot of things that might be regrettable, but most of them I don’t regret because I realize I couldn’t have done anything else at the time. With Guy, however, there was this thing. When he was sick — he was dying really for the last ten years of his life — he asked me if we could write a song together. We should do it ‘for the grandkids,’ he said. Well, I don’t know…at the time, I still didn’t co-write much, then I got busy. Then Guy died and it was too late. That, I regret.” 

GUY will be available across digital retailers, on standard black vinyl, on limited edition blue vinyl available at Independent Retailers, on an extremely limited-to-200 clear vinyl edition available at retailers in Texas & Tennessee, on a limited autographed edition available at Barnes & Noble stores, and on a limited edition red vinyl exclusively available for pre-order now via New West Records.

GUY Track Listing:
1. Dublin Blues
2. L.A. Freeway
3. Texas 1947
4. Desperados Waiting For A Train
5. Rita Ballou
6. The Ballad Of Laverne And Captain Flint
7. The Randall Knife
8. Anyhow I Love You
9. That Old Time Feeling
10. Heartbroke
11. The Last Gunfighter Ballad
12. Out In The Parking Lot
13. She Ain’t Going Nowhere
14. Sis Draper
15. New Cut Road
16. Old Friends

2019 iHeartRadio Awards: Maren Morris, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line Lead Nashville Nominees

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Following the massive success of the infectious earworm “The Middle,” Maren Morris has earned four nominations at the upcoming iHeartRadio Awards, to air March 14 on FOX from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Morris and her “Middle” cohorts Zedd and Grey were nominated for overall Song of the Year, as well as Best Collaboration and Dance Song of the Year. Morris is also nominated for Country Song of the Year (“Rich”).

Also vying for the Country Song of the Year title is Kane Brown‘s “Heaven,” Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha‘s “Meant To Be,” Luke Bryan‘s “Most People Are Good,” and Dan + Shay‘s “Tequila.”

Bryan earned a second nomination this year for Country Artist of the Year, while Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha picked up a second nomination this year for Best Collaboration.

The Country Artist of the Year category includes Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett. Vying for the Best New Country Artist title are Carly Pearce, Dylan Scott, Jordan Davis, LANCO, and Russell Dickerson.

Kacey Musgraves, who toured with Harry Styles in 2018, was nominated with Styles for Best Cover Song, for their take on Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One.”

Big Loud’s Mason Ramsey also earned a nomination for the Social Star Award, following the breakthrough viral video of Ramsey performing a cover of Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues.”

Brett Eldredge‘s dog Edgar is in the running for Cutest Musician’s Pet, a socially voted category.

Big Machine/John Varvatos Records band badflower, known for their breakout hit “Ghost,” also earned a nomination for Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Band.

Nashville producer David Garcia, known for his work producing and co-writing the FGL/Bebe Rexha hit “Meant To Be,” as well as work with Carrie Underwood, NF, Kip Moore, is nominated for Producer of the Year.

Cardi B has the most overall award nominations this year with 13, followed by Drake with eight nominations.

Nominees List For 2019 iHeartRadio Awards

Song of the Year:
“Better Now” – Post Malone
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
“The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey

Female Artist of the Year:
Ariana Grande
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Dua Lipa
Halsey

Male Artist of the Year:
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone
Shawn Mendes

Best Duo/Group of the Year:
5 Seconds Of Summer
Imagine Dragons
Maroon 5
Panic! At The Disco
twenty one pilots

Best Collaboration:
“Finesse (Remix)” Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“I Like It” – Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin
“Meant To Be” – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
“The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey

Best New Pop Artist:
Bazzi
Lauv
Marshmello
MAX
NF

Alternative Rock Song of the Year:
“Africa” – Weezer
“Broken” – lovelytheband
“Happier” – Marshmello featuring Bastille
“High Hopes” – Panic! At the Disco
“Natural” – Imagine Dragons

Alternative Rock Artist of the Year:
Imagine Dragons
lovelytheband
Panic! At The Disco
Portugal. The Man
Thirty Seconds To Mars

Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist:
AJR
Badflower
Billie Eilish
lovelytheband
Two Feet

Rock Song of the Year:
“Are You Ready” – Disturbed
“Bulletproof” – Godsmack
“Devil” – Shinedown
“Safari Song” – Greta Van Fleet
“Zombie” – Bad Wolves

Rock Artist of the Year:
Five Finger Death Punch
Godsmack
Greta Van Fleet
Shinedown
Three Days Grace

Country Song of the Year:
“Heaven” – Kane Brown
“Meant To Be” – Bebe Rexha featuring Florida Georgia Line
“Most People Are Good” – Luke Bryan
“Rich” – Maren Morris
“Tequila” – Dan + Shay

Country Artist of the Year:
Carrie Underwood
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett

Best New Country Artist:
Carly Pearce
Dylan Scott
Jordan Davis
LANCO
Russell Dickerson

Dance Song of the Year:
“Friends” – Marshmello and Anne-Marie
“Happier” – Marshmello featuring Bastille
“One Kiss” – Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa
“Remind Me To Forget” – Kygo featuring Miguel
“The Middle” – Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey

Dance Artist of the Year:
Calvin Harris
Kygo
Marshmello
The Chainsmokers
Zedd

Hip-Hop Song of the Year:
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“I Like It” Cardi B featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin
“In My Feelings” – Drake
“Nice For What” – Drake
“Psycho” – Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year:
Cardi B
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone
Travis Scott

Best New Hip-Hop Artist:
BlocBoy JB
Juice WRLD
Lil Baby
Lil Pump
XXXTENTACION

R&B Song of the Year:
“Boo’d Up” – Ella Mai
“Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
“Medicine” – Queen Naija
“Sky Walker” – Miguel featuring Travis Scott
“When We” – Tank

R&B Artist of the Year:
Daniel Caesar
Ella Mai
H.E.R.
Miguel
SZA

Best New R&B Artist:
Brent Faiyaz
Ella Mai
H.E.R.
Queen Naija
TK Kravitz

Latin Song of the Year:
“Clandestino” – Shakira featuring Maluma
“Dura” – Daddy Yankee
“Échame La Culpa” – Luis Fonsi and Demi Lovato
“Me Niego” – Reik featuring Ozuna and Wisin
“X” – Nicky Jam and J Balvin

Latin Artist of the Year:
Bad Bunny
Daddy Yankee
J Balvin
Maluma
Ozuna

Best New Latin Artist:
Lele Pons
Manuel Turizo
Mau y Ricky
Nio Garcia
Raymix

Regional Mexican Song of the Year:
“Entre Beso y Beso” – La Arrolladora Banda El Limón
“Me Dejé Llevar” – Christian Nodal
“Mejor Me Alejo” – Banda MS
“Mi Sorpresa Fuiste Tú” – Calibre 50
“Mitad Y Mitad” – Calibre 50

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year:
Banda Carnaval
Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Calibre 50
Christian Nodal
Gerardo Ortiz

Producer of the Year:
David Garcia
Frank Dukes
Louis Bell
Marshmello
Noah “40” Shebib

Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category
“Consequences” – Camila Cabello
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“In My Blood” – Shawn Mendes
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande
“Without Me” – Halsey

Best Cover Song: *Socially Voted Category
“A Million Dreams” – P!nk and Willow Sage Hart
“Africa” – Weezer
“Crying in the Club” – Niall Horan
“Fast Car” – Khalid
“In My Blood” – Charlie Puth
“Lucid Dreams” – Halsey
“Me, Myself & I” – Zayn
“Natural Woman” – Ariana Grande
“Rewrite the Stars” – Anne-Marie and James Arthur
“You’re Still The One” – Harry Styles and Kacey Musgraves
“Under Pressure” – Shawn Mendes and Teddy Geiger
“Your Song” – Lady Gaga

Best Music Video: *Socially Voted Category
“Delicate” – Taylor Swift
“Dura” – Daddy Yankee
“Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
“Freaky Friday” – Lil Dicky and Chris Brown
“Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B
“God’s Plan” – Drake
“I Like It” – Cardi B featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny
“One Kiss” – Calvin Harris featuring Dua Lipa
“Psycho” – Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign
“Taki Taki” – DJ Snake featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna and Cardi B
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande
“This Is America” – Childish Gambino

Social Star Award: *Socially Voted Category
Agnez Mo
Bhad Bhabie
Dylan Minnette
Joji
Lele Pons
Loren Gray
Mason Ramsey
Queen Naija
Tana Mongeau
Trixie Mattel

Cutest Musician’s Pet: *Socially Voted Category
Asia – Lady Gaga
Edgar – Brett Eldredge
Goodwin – Sabrina Carpenter
Gracie – Lauren Jauregui
Hatchi – Perrie Edwards
Mooshu – Alex Pall from The Chainsmokers
Piggy Smallz – Ariana Grande

Best Solo Breakout: *Socially Voted Category
Ally Brooke
Dinah Jane
Lauren Jauregui
Normani
Tiffany Young

Song That Left Us Shook: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category
“Here Comes The Change” – Kesha
“I’ll Never Love Again” – Lady Gaga
“One Day” – Logic featuring Ryan Tedder
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande
“This Is America” – Childish Gambino
“Youth” – Shawn Mendes and Khalid

Favorite Tour Photographer: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category
Andy DeLuca (5SOS)
Christian Tierney (Niall Horan)
Helene Pambrun (Harry Styles)
Josiah Van Dien (Shawn Mendes)
Pixie Levinson (Dua Lipa)
Rahul B (Camila Cabello)
Ravie B (Beyoncé)
Zack Caspary (Why Don’t We)

Breaking: Josh Osborne Signs With Sony/ATV Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, SVP, Nashville A&R, Sony/ATV; Josh Osborne; Troy Tomlinson, President/CEO, Sony/ATV.

Hit songwriter Josh Osborne has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Sony/ATV Nashville.

“Seldom does a publisher get the opportunity to acquire such a hit-driven catalog and futures deal with a songwriter of Josh’s stature,” said Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV Nashville President/CEO. “An added bonus is that Josh will maintain the successful relationship that he has had for years with his partners at SMACKSongs. Shane, Michael, Josh and the entire SMACK team have built an impressive company. We are grateful to work with SMACKSongs on Josh’s behalf.”

Osborne has had more than 40 singles as a songwriter, 14 of which were Billboard No. 1 hits. He has had four songs nominated for Grammy honors, with “Merry Go Round” winning Best Country Song.

“Body Like A Backroad,” recorded by Sam Hunt, made history as the longest reigning No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart by a solo artist, spending 34 weeks atop the chart. Osborne’s other hits include “Come Over,” “Get Along,” and “All The Pretty Girls” (Kenny Chesney); “Wild Child” (Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter); “Setting The World On Fire” (Kenny Chesney feat. P!nk); “My Eyes” and “Sangria” (Blake Shelton); “Leave The Night On,” Take Your Time,” and “Make You Miss Me” (Sam Hunt); “We Are Tonight” (Billy Currington); “Hotel Key” (Old Dominion); and “Drunk Last Night” (Eli Young Band).