Industry Ink: ACM, Big Loud, Stephen Wilson Jr.
ACM LEVel Up 2024 Cohort Kicks Off Programming

Pictured (L-R): Kortney Toney, ACM Manager of Programming & Community Engagement; David Steele Ewing, Nashville History Tour CEO; Kenyon Glenn; Lizzy Stone; Jackie Ebnet; David Hawkins; Alexes Aiken; Nathan Pyle; Haley Fairman; Lacey Hayes; Gator Pizer; Bryan Webb; Damon Whiteside, ACM CEO; Tommy Moore, ACM VP of Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance
The Academy of Country Music’s LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program’s 2024 cohort commenced the two-year professional development and enrichment curriculum at the Academy’s headquarters in Nashville on Thursday (Jan. 25).
Opening their course was a deep dive into Music City’s remarkable and diverse history with noted Nashville historian and curator, tour guide, writer and founder of the acclaimed Instagram account @thenashvilleiwishiknew, David Steele Ewing. The cohort also met with Academy leadership and staff and learned about the upcoming 59th ACM Awards, the work of philanthropic partner ACM Lifting Lives and more.
Big Loud Video Team Celebrates Hardy’s Becoming The Crow Short Film

Pictured (L-R): Katie Fiore (Video Production Manager, Big Loud Records), Justin Clough (Director), Morgan Sweat (Video Commissioner, Big Loud Records), Jay Miller (Video Editor, Big Loud Records)
The video team responsible for Hardy‘s new short film, Becoming The Crow, recently celebrated their accomplishments at the film’s Nashville screening.
The 22-minute film, directed by Justin Clough, follows Hardy through two days in his monumental 2023. The first day spotlights his album release shows in Los Angeles on Jan. 23, where he played both The Troubadour and The Roxy in one single night. The second part follows him on Oct. 26, where he kicked off a sold-out three-night run at The Municipal Auditorium right here in Music City.
Stephen Wilson Jr. & Team Celebrate Sold-Out Headline Show

Pictured (L-R, back row): Buster Phillips (UTA), Brian Hill (UTA), Brett Saliba (UTA), Alicia Jones (ALJ Management), Stephen Wilson Jr., Scott Clayton (UTA), Seth England (Big Loud), Ali Matkosky (Big Loud); (L-R, middle row): Dan Merker (Exit/In), Jordy Dettmer (Range MP), Alyson Estes (Exit/In), Stacy Blythe (Big Loud); (L-R, front row): Jess Spear (Exit/In), Teagan Proctor (Exit/In)/ Photo: Brayln Kelly
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr. played his first headline show at Nashville’s Exit/In to a sold-out crowd on Friday, Jan. 19. His team gathered backstage to celebrate the achievement.
Following the release of his highly successful debut double album Søn Of Dad, Wilson Jr. also recently announced his first headline tour, immediately selling out a number of shows including at New York City’s Mercury Lounge.
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