On The Cover: MusicRow Magazine’s Touring Issue Features Ingrid Andress

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MusicRow Magazine’s 2020 Touring Issue, with Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records artist Ingrid Andress gracing the cover, releases today (Dec. 3).

Andress’ current single, “More Hearts Than Mine,” is climbing at country radio. She made her first national TV appearance earlier this year on Late Night with Seth Meyers performing her major-label debut, “Lady Like,” only two months after its release. With several co-writer credits to her name, including Charli XCX’s “Boys” and FLETCHER’s “About You,” Andress first honed her skills writing with heavy hitters in the music community such as Sam Hunt and Alicia Keys. She is crafting her debut album, set to release next year, alongside Sam Ellis, AJ Pruis and Jordan Schmidt. She is managed by Blythe Scokin/bluejacket, booked by WME’s Becky Gardenhire, published by Arthouse/UMPG, and aligned with BMI.

MusicRow Magazine’s annual Touring Issue also features its 2020 Next Big Thing Artists list, as well as the inaugural N.B.T. Industry Directory, which spotlights many of Nashville’s rising music industry executives.

WME Co-Head Jay Williams and WME Partner Kevin Meads, Goldenvoice’s Stacy Vee, CAA’s Marieke Bianchi, and Exit/In’s Chris Cobb are among the leaders featured in this issue. Dan+Shay, as well as their team members at Sandbox Entertainment, CAA and AEG Presents, discuss lining up the Grammy- and CMA-winning duo’s first U.S. arena headlining tour, which launches in 2020.

Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships.

‘MusicRow’ Reveals 2020 Next Big Thing Artists List

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MusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists, who in 2020, are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT). The annual NBT list features 11 artists, who are each profiled in MusicRow‘s latest 2020 Touring Issue print magazine, which hits shelves today (Dec. 3).

MusicRow Magazine’s Next Big Thing Class of 2020 has set itself apart from today’s artists with talent and hard work. Some of these NBT artists have just released their first singles, while others are celebrating chart-topping hits. All have broken through by bringing unique styles and by surrounding themselves with team members who champion them.

Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships.

MusicRow Magazine’s 2020 Next Big Thing Artists:

INGRID ANDRESS

Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville / Arthouse/UMPG Nashville / WME / bluejacket / BMI

After establishing herself as a pop songwriter, Ingrid Andress chipped away at expectations of herself and her sound with her debut single at country radio, “More Hearts Than Mine.” The tune about bringing a potential new lover home to her parents is thrillingly honest and a refreshing perspective. Likewise, her first major label radio track, “Lady Like,” bucks the stereotypical gender roles placed on women.

With several co-writer credits to her name, including Charli XCX’s “Boys” and FLETCHER’s “About You,” Andress first honed her skills writing with heavy hitters in the music community such as Sam Hunt and Alicia Keys. Sonically, the Colorado native’s music is interesting and fresh, but not distracting from the message of the songs. With the release of her latest tracks “Both” and “We’re Not Friends,” Andress’ new music continues to prove her depth and skill as a songwriter.

 

AVENUE BEAT

BMLG (Valory Music Co.)/Tape Room Records / Tape Room Music / CAA / Dennis Entertainment / ASCAP

Sami Bearden, Savana Santos and Sam Backoff of Avenue Beat are the brash, witty, and wildly melodic pop trio that the world didn’t know it needed. I got more pop than a shook up Mountain Dew / If that’s not what you like, There must be something wrong with you, the trio sings with a cheeky grin in their single “Delight.” The three wrote all four songs on their debut, self-titled EP, which includes “Delight,” a girl power salute in “Be A Bro,” a Gen-Z post-break-up anthem in “Ruin That For Me” and a self-induced euphoria in “Broke.”

Now in their early 20s, childhood friends Santos and Backoff met Bearden at a summer theater camp and ultimately formed Avenue Beat. They claim Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish as musical influences, and are making their way as clever songwriters with charmingly raw lyrics and ear candy harmonies.

 

GABBY BARRETT

Warner Music Nashville / WME / Red Light Management / BMI

Gabby Barrett hit the ground running after rising to national prominence as a finalist on ABC’s American Idol. Wasting no time, the powerhouse vocalist showed off her depth with her ingenious first single, “I Hope,” which quickly claimed the No. 1 spot on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Countdown and on Radio Disney’s Country Top 50 chart. The ear catching tune throws the listener for a loop at its chorus, I hope you spend your last dime to put a rock on her hand / I hope she’s wilder than your wildest dreams, she’s everything you’re ever gonna need / And then I hope she cheats, like you did on me, Barrett reveals.

The Pennsylvania native began singing in her local gospel choir at nine years old before auditioning for Idol at just 17 where her dynamic voice, paired with her bold stage presence, propelled her to the Top 3. Barrett is currently in the studio with Grammy-nominated producer Ross Copperman working on her debut full-length album.

 

BLANCO BROWN

BBR Music Group / Blanco Theory / UTA / BlackBox Entertainment / SESAC

In a blended version of country and hip-hop music, Blanco Brown proudly calls his musical stylings “TrailerTrap.” His musical concoction can be heard in his multi-week No. 1 hit, “The Git Up,” which has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. The Georgia native got his start in music as a background singer, artist and Grammy-nominated engineer, working with talent including Fergie, Childish Gambino, Kane Brown and Chris Brown. 

Brown has the unique gift of seeing colors when creating music. His debut album Honeysuckle & Lightning Bugs is a colorful reflection of his upbringing, from his school days in Atlanta to his summers in rural Georgia, and draws upon the rawness and storytelling abilities of his two biggest musical influences, Johnny Cash and Outkast. Brown wrote or co-wrote, as well as produced, every track on his debut record.

 

CAYLEE HAMMACK

UMG Nashville (Capitol Records Nashville) / UMPG Nashville / WME / Red Light Management / ASCAP

Growing up in the tiny town of Ellaville, Georgia made Caylee Hammack feel like a self-described “hippie in a hillbilly town.” At just 25, her life experiences and cultivated style have given her a unique perspective and approach to songwriting. 

From using fake IDs to get gigs around South Georgia, to watching a love that she’d given everything for burn out, to sleeping in her car when she arrived in Nashville and then losing her home in an electrical fire, Hammack’s morphed into a spunky, resilient and sensible singer-songwriter. Her current Top 40 breakout single “Family Tree,” co-written and co-produced by Hammack, shows off that spunk and earned wisdom. The track was also the most-added single at country radio by a female artist in over three years. 

Hammack’s new groovy tune, “Preciatcha” further speaks to that spunky soul with its lyrics Momma always said broken hearts are a blessing and every hand that you hold, holds one hell of a lesson / Guess I’m rambling a little but there’s something that I gotta say / Preciatcha, every time you made me cry, I preciatcha even how you said goodbye.

 

HARDY

Big Loud Records/Tree Vibez Music / Relative Music Group / WME / Maverick (Big Loud) / BMI

You have heard it from his own mouth, HARDY is “REDNECKER” than you. The hit songwriter has already made his mark on the Nashville music business having co-written multiple No. 1 hits for other artists, including  “Up Down” (Morgan Wallen feat. Florida Georgia Line), “Simple” (FGL), and “God’s Country” (Blake Shelton). When it came time for the Mississippi native to dip his toes into his own artistry, the music that followed was radio ready and charmingly unique.

HARDY launched as an artist with two four-song EPs, THIS OLE BOY and WHERE TO FIND ME. Fans gravitated to swampy-party jams like “4X4” and “THROWBACK,” and were impressed with the tender songwriting of “SIGNED, SOBER YOU.” HARDY’s clever lyrical expertise paired with his bold presence made an appearance again in his 2019 collaborative album Hixtape, Vol. 1; which features duets with traditional favorites Tracy Lawrence and Joe Diffie, along with modern country singers Devin Dawson, Thomas Rhett, Jake Owen and more.

 

TREA LANDON

Warner Music Nashville / Play It Again Music / WME / G Major Management/Play It Again Music / BMI

Trea Landon grew up on classic music by George Strait and Alan Jackson, and from his hometown in Claxton, Georgia, he started writing songs inspired by his upbringing. His songs caught the attention of hit songwriter Dallas Davidson, who quickly signed Landon to a publishing deal. Landon then released an EP independently and with more than three million streams, joined the Warner Music Nashville label family.

Landon’s debut single is a simple, easy-listening piece of ear candy called “Loved By A Country Boy.” Have you ever felt a June like kiss? Make summer burn a little hotter / Have you ever fell faster than a Chevrolet rollin’ ‘round the bend?, left a t-shirt hanging on a hickory limb ‘fore you jumped in /Girl you ain’t been loved, ‘til you been loved by a country boy, Landon sings. His unique voice, paired with his apt song choice, make Landon stand out. Put simply, Landon is a country boy.

 

PARKER McCOLLUM

UMG Nashville (MCA Records) / Warner Chappell / WME / 377/Red Light Management / BMI

Road warrior and Texas native Parker McCollum began building a following with 2015’s The Limestone Kid. The then 22-year old watched a track from the album, “Meet You in The Middle,” become a hit on Texas regional radio. His follow up record, Probably Wrong, found McCollum’s success blossoming, playing to venues like San Angelo’s RiverStage and Billy Bob’s Texas. 

McCollum soon found himself in Nashville, signing a record deal with Universal Music Group. His tune “I Can’t Breathe” shows off McCollum’s rich tone, and heartbreakingly honest songwriting. “Pretty Heart” is further evidence of his authentic sound. McCollum will continue his hard-won road life with select dates on Miranda Lambert’s Wildcard Tour in 2020.

 

MATT STELL

Sony Music Nashville (RECORDS/Arista Nashville) / Wide Open Music / UTA / Wide Open Music / ASCAP

What do you get when you cross a college basketball star with an accepted applicant into Harvard University’s Extension School Pre-Med program? A rising country artist with a No. 1 song. Matt Stell, who made the choice to follow his passion for country music, reaped the benefits of that risk with his first country chart topper, “Prayed For You.” Since he moved to Nashville in 2014, the Arkansas native garnered a publishing deal, a recording contract, a No. 1 song and a debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry. 

Stell co-wrote every track on his debut EP, Everywhere But On, including “Home In A Hometown,” which features fellow country standout and MusicRow Next Big Thing Class of 2019 artist, Jimmie Allen.

 

JENNY TOLMAN

Old Sol Records / Old Sol Music / Kinkead Entertainment /Old Sol Entertainment / SESAC

Jenny Tolman is a songwriter’s songwriter. Her debut album, There Goes The Neighborhood, paints the picture of a small town, full of lifelike characters who go through heartbreak and struggle, as well as hilarious circumstances. 

With songwriting influences like Roger Miller, Bobby Bare and Shel Silverstein; and sonic influences like Dolly Parton, Alicia Keys and Miranda Lambert, Tolman crafts a magical world of her own in her music. Her comical “High Class White Trash” and “Work It” show off her femininity and sass, and her “Till My Tank Is Empty” and “So Pretty” show her intense depth and skill as a communicator.

My welcome mat don’t care if you’re white or black, don’t care if you’re thin or fat, it ain’t there to judge all that / My heart is an open door, don’t care if you’re rich or poor, ain’t the world just a big front porch anyway? she sings in “My Welcome Mat.” Tolman’s music feels much like a big front porch: all-inclusive, retrospective, fun and touchingly real.

 

TENILLE TOWNES

Sony Music Nashville (Columbia Nashville) / Big Yellow Dog Music / WME / ShopKeeper Management / ASCAP

Tenille Townes grew up singing along to the lyrics of U2 and Shania Twain. Before long, she was writing her own songs and taking singing lessons in her hometown of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. When she got a little older, Townes was coming to Nashville and learning to write songs that speak directly to the heart. Her single “Somebody’s Daughter” brought a story of compassion to country radio. Additional tracks “Jersey On The Wall” and “White Horse” set Townes apart for her wise-beyond-her-years communicator ability.

Townes was honored with the Robert K. Oermann Discovery Artist of the Year Award at the 2019 MusicRow Awards, and is seeing both critical and commercial success. In addition to her work as a musician and songwriter, Townes remains committed to her charitable initiative, Big Hearts For Big Kids, which has raised over $1.5 million to date, benefiting a youth shelter in her hometown of Grande Prairie.

Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Adds Key Leadership Team Members

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Photographed (from top left) Michael Gray, Ben Hall, Kelly McGlumphy, John Reed, Ashlee Powers, Rachel Shapiro and Abi Tapia

Several new members have joined the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Key Leadership Team. Michael Gray, senior museum editor; Ben Hall, director of major gifts; Kelly McGlumphy, director of public relations; Ashlee Powers, senior human resources manager; John Reed, executive director of exhibition services; Rachel Shapiro, director of development events and operations; and Abi Tapia, director of public programs, all join the leadership team that helps guide museum staff through collaboration while carrying out the museum’s mission.

“Working together across divisional and departmental lines has always been a hallmark of our museum,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “The addition of these members to our Key Leadership Team will help us maintain our collaborative culture and allow the entire team to continue to focus on speed, efficiency and integration across the organization.”

Gray, Hall, McGlumphy, Powers, Reed, Shapiro and Tapia join the following Key Leadership Team members:

  • Lee Boulie, executive director of digital and library collections
  • Mark DeLelys, senior director of museum sales and retail
  • Kayla Ott, director of marketing
  • Nando Rodriguez, senior director of events and culinary
  • Suzanne Tolbert, director of guest experience and admissions analytics
  • Ali Tonn, senior director of education & public programs
  • Leigh Anne Wise, executive director of operations and sustainability

Weekly Register: Jason Aldean Debuts At No. 1 On Country Albums Chart

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Jason Aldean debuts at the top of the country albums chart this week, with his ninth studio album, 9, moving 83K in total consumption (68K album only/17 million song streams). The album debuts at No. 2 on the overall albums rankings, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Last week’s chart leader, Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get, drops to No. 2 this week, with 41K. Combs also holds the No. 3 spot on the country albums chart, with his debut project This One’s For You, which moved 19K this week. Old Dominion‘s self-titled album holds at No. 4 again this week with 13K. Lady Antebellum‘s Ocean, the trio’s first effort under Big Machine, falls from No. 2 to No. 5 this week, with 12K.

Dan+Shay‘s collaboration with Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours,” continues its run atop the country songs on-demand streaming chart with 11.4 million streams this week. Old Dominion‘s “One Man Band” is at No. 2 with 8 million streams. Combs’ “Even Though I’m Leaving” is at No. 3 with 6.8 million. Diplo‘s “Heartless,” ft. Morgan Wallen, is at No. 4 with 6 million streams, while Maren Morris‘ “The Bones” rounds out the Top 5 with 5.4 million streams this week.

John Zarling, Jackie Campbell Team For Marketing Venture 615 Leverage + Strategy

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John Zarling and Jackie Campbell

John Zarling and Jackie Campbell have announced the alliance of their individual companies to create the new boutique marketing company, 615 Leverage + Strategy. The company will function as a full-service extension to artist and label marketing teams.

“During my 20 years in the music business, I have been part of building and expanding careers by converging multiple marketing pillars. As the industry adjusts to a new paradigm of music consumption, it is essential that focus on the larger career arc of an artist is not lost,” said Zarling, the firm’s President & Chief Strategy Officer. “I am excited to partner with Jackie, someone whom I have immense respect for, to focus in these lanes. By combining our strengths into a cohesive effort, all of our clients will benefit.”

Zarling & Campbell, whose collective proprietary client list includes artists, labels, management firms, and festivals, will bring their complementary skill sets to every campaign as Co-Founders and Partners.

“For me, this journey started nearly three years ago, when I decided to launch my own company to see if there was a better way to implement marketing and strategic partnerships within the music industry world,” said Campbell, the firm’s Head of Business Development & Client Service. “John has been a dear friend and mentor from Day One, and I could not be more thrilled to take this next step with him to expand and create a full-service marketing company to continue our mission to craft artist narratives through live events, partnerships and branded content.”

Joining 615 Leverage + Strategy at launch are Cheyana Weekley as Project Director and Jordan Lipsey as Project Manager.

Zarling launched his career at Mercury Records in 1999. He was promoted when the label merged with MCA in 2003, and later elevated to Manager, Charts & Syndication when DreamWorks was absorbed by the label group in 2004. During that time, Zarling found a mentor in Scott Borchetta, label group’s Sr. VP/Promotion at the time. When Borchetta launched Big Machine Records, Zarling became one of the company’s first employees.

He served Big Machine, The Valory Music Co., BMLG Records (formerly Republic Nashville), Dot Records & NASH Icon imprints as SVP/Partnership Marketing & Promotion Strategy, from the label group’s launch in 2005 through 2016. In 2017, Zarling transitioned to Sony Music Nashville where he spent two years as EVP/Marketing & New Business, overseeing marketing, digital, international, media, branding, premium content, and creative efforts for the RCA Nashville, Columbia Nashville and Arista Nashville imprints. Throughout his career, Zarling has been an integral part of over 100 million units sold, over 100 No. 1 hit singles and has inked partnership deals with brands worth over $30 million. Zarling is also executive producer the annual Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award ceremony, which has raised more than $350,000 for the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund. He currently serves on boards of the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, Brad & Kimberly Williams Paisley’s The Store, and the Entrepreneurship Center/NEXT Awards. Zarling is a graduate of Belmont University.

Campbell most recently ran her own boutique brand strategy startup, directing partnership strategy for record label, artist management, festival, and brand clients. She previously served as the Director of Partnership Marketing for nearly six years for Big Machine Label Group, overseeing corporate partnerships and brand integrations for the label group’s 30+ artists and numerous initiatives. Prior to her Nashville move, Campbell spent nearly 10 years working for CBS Radio (now Entercom) in Chicago in various marketing and business development roles. Campbell serves on the Academy of Country Music board of directors and is a graduate of DePaul University.

Zarling can be reached at john@615leverage.com or 615-975-7553. Campbell can be reached at jackie@615leverage.com or 773-220-2633.

Mark Your Calendar—December 2019

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Industry Events

December 9, 2019
Final Round Grammy Voting Begins

December 14, 2019
Nashville’s 35th annual Symphony Ball at Schermerhorn Symphony Center

 

Single Add Dates

December 2
Brantley Gilbert/Fire’t Up/Valory
Matt Stell/Everywhere But On/RECORDS/Arista Nashville
Grace Asbury/Pour Me/Star Farm Nashville

December 5
Ismay/Stones

December 9
Miranda Lambert/Bluebird/Vanner Records/RCA Nashville
Morgan Evans/Diamonds/Warner Music Nashville/WEA Radio & Streaming
Lindsay Ell/I Don’t Love You/Stoney Creek Records
Jackson Michelson/Stay Over/Curb Records

 

Album Releases

December 6
Walker Hayes/8Ttracks Vol. 3-Black Sheep/Monument Records

December 13
Blake Shelton/Fully Loaded: God’s Country/Warner Music Nashville

Ashley Gorley Returns To Pinnacle Of MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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After falling below Luke Combs last week following a 16-week reign at No. 1, Ashley Gorley is back on top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. With five charting songs, Gorley maintains the pinnacle spot with co-writer credits on Brett Young’s “Catch,” Chris Janson’s “Good Vibes,” LOCASH’s “One Big Country Song,” Thomas Rhett’s “Remember You Young” and Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads.” Combs drops down to the No. 2 spot, with 12 charting songs.

Laura Veltz moves up to No. 3, Zach Crowell shifts to No. 4 and Ross Copperman is at No. 5 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the first songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

ACM Awards Submissions Now Open Through Jan. 3

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Submissions for the 55th ACM Awards are now open, Dec. 2, 2019-Jan. 3, 2020. Categories eligible for submissions include Main Awards, Radio Awards, Industry Awards and Video of the Year Award, in addition to updates to the Industry Awards categories. The 55th Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music’s Party of the Year, will broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at 8:00 PM on CBS.

Industry Awards will now be voted on by the membership categorized in the Artist/Musician/Producer/Engineer, Venue, Manager, Talent Agent and Talent Buyer/Promoter categories. Previously, the Industry Awards were voted on by all membership categories. For updates to Industry Award category names, see the full list below.

“The ACM Board, Awards and Voting Committee and the Industry Awards Task Force feel that this next step in the evolution of the Industry Awards continues to strengthen the Academy’s relationship with venues, buyers and promoters who work tirelessly to showcase the finest in country music,” said Nick Di Fruscia, VP, Awards & Membership.  “We look forward to continuing the 20+ year tradition of celebrating our industry partners.”

The submissions eligibility period for the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards is Jan. 1, 2019 through
Dec. 31, 2019. Key dates for Academy professional members for the 2020 ACM Awards cycle are as follows:

  • Submissions Period Opens:    December 2, 2019
  • Submissions Period Closes:    January 3, 2020
  • First Round Voting:                January 21, 2020 – January 27, 2020
  • Second Round Voting:            February 4, 2020 – February 10, 2020
  • Final Round Voting:                March 3, 2020 – March 9, 2020

Industry Awards Category Names and Updates:

Casino of the Year – Small Capacity – Updated to Casino of the Year – Theater
This award is presented to an outstanding theater or showroom within a casino, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The casino theater or showroom must have bought or promoted at least five (5) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Casino of the Year – Large Capacity – Updated to Casino of the Year – Arena
This award is presented to an outstanding arena or amphitheater within a casino selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The casino arena or amphitheater must have bought or promoted at least four (4) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Festival of the Year – No Change
This award is presented to an outstanding country music festival where artist(s) received market value compensation for their performance, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board.  The festival must have taken place over two (2) or more consecutive days, included a minimum of ten (10) acts, with at least ninety percent (90%) of headlining acts classed in the country genre, occurred during the eligibility period, and be in good standing with all professional vendors and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Fair/Rodeo of the Year  – NEW CATEGORY
This award is presented to an outstanding fair/rodeo where artist(s) received market value compensation for their performance, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board.  The fair/rodeo must have included a minimum of one (1) Country Music artist as a headliner, occurred during the eligibility period, and be in good standing with all professional vendors and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category. 

Nightclub of the Year – Updated to Club of the Year
This award is presented to an outstanding country music club, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The club must have bought or promoted at least ten (10) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales.  The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Venue of the Year – Small Capacity – Updated to Theater of the Year
This award is presented to an outstanding theater or performing arts center, not associated with a casino, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The theater/performing arts center must have bought or promoted at least ten (10) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Venue of the Year – Medium Capacity – Updated to Outdoor Venue of the Year
This award is presented to an outstanding outdoor venue, not associated with a casino, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The outdoor venue must have bought or promoted at least five (5) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Venue of the Year – Large Capacity – Updated to Arena of the Year
This award is presented to an outstanding indoor arena, not associated with a casino, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The arena must have bought or promoted at least five (5) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year – NO CHANGE
This award is presented to an outstanding talent buyer, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The buyer must have bought at least fifteen (15) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales. The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

Promoter of the Year – NO CHANGE      
This award is presented to an outstanding promoter, selected by a Professional Panel of judges. The panel will submit five (5) nominees, which will be placed on the ballot once approved by the Board. The promoter must have promoted at least fifteen (15) country concerts/dates during the eligibility period, be in good standing with all agents and help promote country ticket sales.  The winner from the previous year is ineligible for a consecutive nomination in this category.

A2IM Launches ‘A2IM Artist’ Program For Independent Artists

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The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) has launched A2IM Artist, a new program designed to empower independent artists. The program will offer curated networking and educational events, as well as online educational content for artists.

The live event, which will last approximately three hours each, will take place on Mondays in various cities around the country. Each event’s first two hours will be devoted to panel presentations by industry visionaries and keynote speakers, hand-picked for their ability to inspire and motivate. The last hour will be devoted to networking and mingling.

Columbus, Ohio will host the kickoff event for A2IM Artist, followed by Miami and Philadelphia, with other U.S. cities with thriving music scenes to be announced.

“It is indeed an honor for Columbus to be selected as the kick-off host city. A2IM has done fantastic work, giving a voice to the independent label sector, leading the fight for equitable royalties and now the artists themselves,” says Bruce Garfield, Executive Director of the Columbus Music Commission.

A2IM Artist members will also gain access to the A2IM Artist portal where they can benefit from a wealth of educational content designed to boost success in the streaming economy.

Benton Wharton Named Talent Buyer At Outback Presents

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Photo credit: Stephan Pruitt Photography

Benton Wharton has joined Outback Presents as a newly-appointed Talent Buyer for the Nashville-based concert promotion company.

Wharton launched his career as founder and co-owner of Mountain Roots Management, an event management company in Asheville, North Carolina. In 2011, Wharton became the Talent Buyer at Pisgah Brewing Company where he also acted as the venue’s Marketing and Events Director. During his eight-year tenure, Wharton became instrumental in curating the Pisgah Brewing Company’s outdoor summer concert series for its 2,250 capacity venue. While at Pisgah, Wharton guided the development of nationally renowned boutique festivals events including The Marcus King Band Family Reunion (2017-present); Jam in the Trees (2016-2018); Leftover Salmon’s Blue Ridge Jam (2017-present); Dark Star Orchestra’s Pisgah Jubilee (2019); as well as the inaugural Strings and Suds (2019).

“We’re stoked to have Benton join the Outback team,” says Louisa Leiser, General Manager of Outback Presents. “He’s bringing in great booking relationships and tons of knowledge from his experience as a talent buyer. I’m excited to see what the future has in store.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the team at Outback Presents, and to evolve my career in Music City,” says Wharton. “Aligning with a company that sees the music industry in the same light as I do is beyond refreshing, and I look forward to collaborating with this forward-thinking team.”