CMA Brings Mental Health Panel Discussion & Songwriters Series To SXSW

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The Country Music Association is hosting two events at SXSW 2026 on March 13: a panel discussion around mental health and touring, and its signature CMA Songwriters Series round, presented in partnership with Amber Health.

The panel will take place at Downright Austin in Capitol Ballroom E, and will explore how Wyatt Flores, Flores’ manager William Dyer, and clinical psychologist and Co-Founder of Amber Health Dr. Chayim Newman joined forces to reimagine tour support and pioneer a new, replicable model for artist care in country music. Joined by Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Philanthropy, the conversation will spotlight CMA’s collaboration behind the initiative and how it embeds sustainable mental health resources directly within the touring ecosystem, enabling care and support to be accessible year-round.

The CMA Songwriters Series will take place at Central Presbyterian Church at 8 p.m. CT with a special opening performance by Georgia Webster. The evening will feature Chase McDaniel, Ingrid Andress, Tiera Kennedy and Flores in a traditional writers round, with each songwriter sharing the stories behind their songs and offering audiences an up-close look at the craft of songwriting as they perform.

“Country music has always been rooted in real stories and real emotion,” says Kerns. “Bringing an empowering conversation and a CMA Songwriters Series to SXSW gives us the opportunity to showcase that tradition in its most authentic form, while reinforcing our commitment to the wellbeing of the artists and industry professionals who make this music possible. Just as important, we’re looking forward to connecting with Austin’s dynamic music community, celebrating the creativity that defines the city and building lasting relationships rooted in a shared passion for great music.”

“Our partnership with CMA has put country music at the forefront of the efforts to better support the mental health of artists and their crews on tour, especially for early-career and emerging artists,” adds Newman. “We’re excited to share these efforts and their real-world impact with the audience at SXSW this year, hopefully inspiring attendees and the Austin community to find ways to participate in this shared mission.”

Both events underscore CMA’s broader investment in mental health and well-being across the music industry. CMA significantly expanded its financial commitment to that in 2024, with further growth in 2025, deepening its investment not only in the music, but in the long-term health, sustainability and future of the artists, songwriters and professionals who power country music forward.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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