In This Issue: MusicRow’s Country Radio & Streaming Issue Spotlights Industry Experts

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MusicRow‘s 2023 Country Radio & Streaming Issue includes a slate of experts discussing the strategy behind their work. The print issue, which was released on Feb. 28, features EMI Records/Universal Music Group Nashville’s Tyler Hubbard on its cover.

Within this issue, President of BMG Nashville, Jon Loba, and Executive Vice President Recorded Music – Nashville, JoJamie Hahr, give MusicRow a look inside BBR Music Group. Loba and Hahr zero in on the successes and strategies with artists Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Parmalee and more.

The two executives discuss the fortitude of their staff, with Loba sharing, “They are a veteran team that acts and works like they are a rookie team. They are still wide-eyed and passionate, with the benefit of all the experience they have behind them. You give them competitive music and they will deliver it. It runs through all of our imprints.”

Elsewhere, Warner Music Nashville’s SVP of Radio, Kristen Williams, and SVP of Streaming, Tim Foisset, talk with MusicRow about the success of new chart-breaker Bailey Zimmerman, while Sony Music Nashville’s Exec. VP, Promotion & Artist Development, Steve Hodges, discusses the rise of Megan Moroney. All three speak about building off of independent streaming success and how they introduced their artists to country radio.

The Country Radio & Streaming Issue also includes a look at ONErpm’s expansion to Nashville in a conversation with Tim Wipperman, who serves as the Managing Director of ONErpm’s Nashville Office.

When asked about his goals for ONErpm’s expanding office in Music City, Wipperman shares, “The short-term goal is to educate Nashville in the real capabilities of this company and bring in artists who need a next-level record/distribution company. We have a first-class staff approaching 500 people worldwide, superior technology and, honestly, I don’t think Nashville gatekeepers really know a lot about us.”

He adds, “The long-term goal is to now bring the best Nashville artists into the company and be recognized as the most effective, professional record services company in town. And of course have a great time doing it!”

MusicRow profiles Pandora’s Sr. Director of Country Programming, Johnny Chiang, in this issue. Chiang began his tenure with the company in July.

“I feel that some of what I’ve learned in radio still applies now that I’m at a DSP,” Chiang shares. “For instance, I understand that new songs typically take a little time. That’s how the consumers consume this product. Because of that experience, I can come in and say, ‘Hey, this new song is not working out in the first couple of weeks, but that’s okay. Believe in it, give it time.’ Consumers typically thumb their nose at things that they’re not familiar with. That’s just the way of the world and I know that because of my experience as a terrestrial radio PD.”

In a special feature in this issue, MusicRow Publisher/Owner, Sherod Robertson, shares his adventurous journey to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the tallest mountains in the world. Elsewhere, MusicRow highlights the community growth aspects of secondary market radio with KAIR’s Program Director Neil Wieland.

In addition to exclusive editorial focused on the country radio and streaming segment of the music business, MusicRow also highlights the winners of the 21st annual CountryBreakout Awards with dedicated features. The 2023 winners included Male Artist of the Year Morgan Wallen (Big Loud/Mercury/Republic), Female Artist of the Year Miranda Lambert (Vanner Records/RCA Nashville), Group/Duo of the Year Old Dominion (Arista Nashville/Sony Music Nashville), Breakout Artist of the Year Jackson Dean (Big Machine Records) and Independent Artist of the Year Cody Jinks (Late August Records). Warner Music Nashville was honored with Label of the Year for the first time, while Ashley Gorley was named Songwriter of the Year for the fourth time. This year’s Reporter of the Year is WVNW’s Erik Lane.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2023 Country Radio & Streaming Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $20, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

LB Cantrell
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