MusicRow Highlights Music Industry Leaders On The Rise With 2022 N.B.T. Industry Directory

Rising Nashville music industry leaders have been selected for MusicRow Magazine’s 2022 N.B.T. Industry Directory.

Now in its third year, MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who occupy important roles at their respective companies. This class of professionals are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.

All members of the N.B.T. Industry Directory are featured in MusicRow’s current 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue, which releases today (Nov. 30). Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring & Next Big Thing Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

 

The 70 members of MusicRow Magazine’s 2022 N.B.T. Industry Directory are:

Melanie Ainsworth, Controller – Big Machine Label Group

Elise Anderson, Pres./Owner – Elicity Public Relations

Katie Barolak, Creative Dir. – Black River Entertainment

Elizabeth Black, VP of Operations – Musicians On Call

Shaina Botwin, Sr. Dir., A&R – Boom Music Group

Beth Brinker, Assoc. Dir. of Membership – ASCAP

AJ Burton, VP, Fluid Music Revolution – Fluid Music Revolution/Spirit Music Nashville

Justin Cahill, Music Agent – CAA

Jaclyn D. Carter, Vice President – Shore Fire Media

Julianne Cassidy, Publicist – Sweet Talk Publicity

Chase Chapman, Branch Manager & VP, Music Row Office – Regions Bank

Emily Cohen, Amazon Music’s Principal Music Curator – Amazon Music

Matt Cottingham, Associate – Ritholz Levy Fields LLP

Emily Craig, Creative Dir. – Sea Gayle Music

David DeVaul, Sr. VP Office Leader of Music, Sports, Entertainment – Pinnacle Financial Partners

Crystal Dishmon, Artist Manager – ShopKeeper Management

Nathan Drake, Associate – Loeb & Loeb

Blake Duncan, Creative Director – Combustion Music

Stevie Escoto, Managing Director – Girlilla Marketing

Chris Ferren, Manager – Fusion Music

Kenley Flynn, Sr. Dir., A&R – Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Lauren Funk, Sr. Creative Dir. – Endurance Music Group

Emily Furman, Sr. Dir. of Creative, Publishing – Creative Nation

Josh Garrett, Agent, Music – United Talent Agency (UTA)

Katie Germano, Music Agent – CAA

Melissa Goldberg, Sr. Dir., Digital and Social – CMT (ViacomCBS)

Amanda Good, Head of Marketing – AMG

Beth Hamilton, Music Agent – WME

Laura Hostelley, VP, Marketing – Triple Tigers Records

Nina Jenkins, Creative Dir. – Jody Williams Songs

Luke Jensen, VP, Promotion – Monument Records

Evyn Mustoe Johnston, Dir. of Membership – ASCAP

Jackie Jones, VP, Artist and Industry Relations – RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America)

Alison Junker, Artists & Label Partnerships, Manager – Spotify

Quinn Kaemmer, Sr. Publicity Mgr. – BBR Music Group

MaryAnn Keen, Assoc. Dir., Creative, Nashville – BMI

Jake Kennedy, Artist Manager – The Anvil

Katie Kerkhover, Sr. Creative Dir. – BMG

Erin Kidd, Creative Dir. – Play It Again Music Group

Roxy King, Dir., A&R – Universal Music Publishing Group

Lee Krabel, VP, Publishing – SMACKSongs

Olivia Laster, Dir., Marketing – Sony Music Nashville

Bailey Lathem, VP – City National Bank

Rory Levine, VP, Marketing & Digital Strategy & Engagement – Academy of Country Music

Keith Levy, Agent – Wasserman Music

Mark Logsdon, Executive Dir. – PLA Media

Nicole Marinake, Sr. Dir., Partnership Marketing – Sony Music Nashville

Catharine McNelly, Sr. Dir., Communications – Country Music Association

Carrie Murphy, Music Agent – WME

Matt Najdowski, Royalty Manager – Farris, Self & Moore

Emily Peacock, Creative Dir. – Tree Vibez Music

Wes Perry, Dir., Business Development – Live Nation

Vipin Reddy, Dir., Streaming Marketing – UMG Nashville

Carter Robinson, Sr. VP, Music Entertainment and Sports Group – Pinnacle Financial Partners

Sophia Sansone, Manager – Make Wake Artists

Diana Akin Scarfo, Dir. of International Digital Administration – SESAC

Dane Schmidt, Sr. Dir. of A&R – Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Ciara Shortridge, VP, Country Publishing/A&R – Curb | Word Entertainment

Breanna Sill, Dir. of Artist Development and Management – Truth Management

Bobby Simmons, Manager – Sandbox Entertainment Group

Jenni Tay, Dir., Streaming – Warner Music Nashville

Mary Lauren Teague, Assistant Professor – Belmont University / Manager – Dotted i Entertainment / Contract Attorney – Loeb & Loeb

Alina Thompson, Senior Manager, Artist Marketing & Industry Relations – SiriusXM/Pandora

Joshua Tomlinson, Dir., Creative, Nashville – BMI

Marissa Turk, Day-to-Day Manager – SMACK

Jennifer Turnbow, Chief Operating Officer – Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)

Matt Turner, Sr. Dir., A&R – Concord Music Publishing

Alaina Vehec, Sr. Dir., Digital Sales and Streaming – Sony Music Nashville

Alec Vidmar, Agent, Music – United Talent Agency (UTA)

Bailey White, Manager of Promotion – Northeast – Black River Entertainment

MusicRow Unveils Next Big Thing Artists Class Of 2022

MusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists, who in 2022, are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT). The annual NBT list features 11 artists, who are each profiled in MusicRow‘s latest 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing print issue, which releases today (Nov. 1).

MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Class of 2022 boasts a stand-out group of artists on the rise. They are diverse in sound, style, and level of success, but what they have in common is extraordinary talent and a passion for today’s ever-evolving country music format. These future stars will expand the boundaries of country music, carrying the torch of the format both to its fans and into the mainstream.

Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring & Next Big Thing print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

MusicRow Magazine’s 2022 Next Big Thing Artists:

Bexar

Warner Music Nashville | ARTIST MGMT | CAA | Reservoir (Chris Ryan) / UMPG Nashville (Logan Turner) | BMI

Rising country band Bexar is bringing a sound all their own to country music, drawing musical inspiration from Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers and Avicii. Their blend of country, which incorporates the pop potential of wooden instruments and organic soul, is on full display on their breakout single, “Again.” Bandmates Chris Ryan (lead vocals/ guitar) and Logan Turner (vocals/banjo/guitar) named Bexar—which is pronounced “bear”—after Bexar County, Texas, where Ryan spent much of his childhood.

The band’s recent Warner Music Nashville EP, a six-song project playfully titled Pronounced Bear, includes more stellar, genre-blending tracks such as “Key To Life” and “One Day.” Each song on the project was co-written by at least one band member, and was produced by award-winning producers Ross Copperman and Luke Laird. Bexar’s unique sound, derived from Texas country and Kentucky bluegrass, has resulted in 40 million streams since their 2018 self-released EP.

Their distinctiveness and obvious talent set them apart from their rising counterparts in the genre.

Cooper Alan

Cooped Up Records (co-owned with Victoria Shaw) | Fabulicious Music Publishing | SESAC

If there is one country artist who has mastered the TikTok launchpad to stardom, it’s undoubtedly the deep-voiced country crooner, Cooper Alan. At the beginning of quarantine, Alan had 10,000 followers across all of his social media platforms. Thanks to his social media strategy, talent and charisma, Alan is now one of the most followed country artists on TikTok, boasting over 5 million followers. He has parlayed that success into millions of streams on songs such as “New Normal,” “Tough Ones,” and “Too Soon.” Alan also collaborated with other TikTok stars to do an “In Real Life Tour,” further exemplifying his strategic use of the platform.

The North Carolina native cut his teeth as a performer in bars, honkytonks, and college parties. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, Alan moved to Nashville where he had the incredible luck of meeting hit songwriter/producer Victoria Shaw, who signed him to a publishing deal on the spot. Earlier this year Alan, an independent artist, announced his own Cooped Up Records, formed along with Shaw to support his music. Alan’s social media prowess and charm will assuredly propel him further into country stardom.

Callista Clark

Big Machine Label Group (Big Machine Records) | SB Projects | WME | Big Machine Music | BMI

At just 18 years old, bold singer-songwriter Callista Clark has formed a buzz around her within the Nashville music business. Clark came onto the scene with her heart on display on her debut collection, Real To Me, released via Big Machine Records.

The soulfulness in the Georgia native’s voice shines on the song “Real To Me,” while her pension for grit is highlighted on “Change My Mind” and her breakout hit “It’s Cause I Am.” Reminiscent of the confident songs of Jo Dee Messina, Clark is fully aware of her worth on “It’s Cause I Am,” singing “You want a one-dimensional woman, it’s okay, I understand / If I seem too complicated for ya, it’s ‘cause I am.” The track resonated with listeners, becoming one of country radio’s most successful new artist debuts of 2021.

Clark was discovered by Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun (SB Projects) via her inspiring videos online, which have amassed over 130 million views across all socials and YouTube. The young artist has a lot to say, and will continue to boldly lead the way for young female artists in the genre.

Hannah Dasher

WME | Sony Music Publishing Nashville | ASCAP

Hannah Dasher’s big personality, and even bigger hair, paired with her classic-country style and undeniable talent sets the H to the Damn to the D apart from the rest. Raised in Savannah, Georgia, Dasher grew up absorbing a diverse lineup of influences including Alan Jackson, Hank Williams Jr., Tom Petty, Eric Church, and Aretha Franklin.

After graduating from the University of Georgia, Dasher moved into a small attic apartment just off Music Row and began working five days a week at Bass Pro Shops, where she was eventually fired for writing songs on the job. Dasher signed a publishing deal soon-after and started opening for the likes of Bocephus, The Cadillac Three and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

She garnered an online following with her viral “Stand By Your Pan” TikTok series— named after the Tammy Wynette hit—where Dasher cooks up traditional Southern recipes with a twist. Shortly after going viral on the app, she released her collection The Half Record. Containing barn-burners such as “Leave This Bar,” funny little tunes like “Left Right,” and what ought to be her theme song, “You’re Gonna Love Me,” Dasher’s kaleidoscope personality shines on The Half Record.

Brooke Eden

BBR Music Group / BMG | Maximum Artist Group | Reservoir | BMI

Shimmery singer-songwriter Brooke Eden first signed her record deal with BBR Music Group in 2014. Though she released a few singles then, including her 2017 breakout single, “Act Like You Don’t,” Eden was not able to authentically be her true self until 2021. In early 2021, Eden reintroduced herself and offered new music after four years of finding love and acceptance that inspired her music both sonically and lyrically.

In a three-part reintroduction, styled by producer Jesse Frasure, Eden said goodbye to her painful past on “No Shade,” fell in love on “Sunroof,” and professed her love to her new partner on “Got No Choice.” All the while, Eden bravely let the world know that she was gay. Eden’s courage has been lauded and celebrated by many in the country music community.

In June, Trisha Yearwood surprised Eden on-stage at the Grand Ole Opry to perform Yearwood’s “She’s In Love With The Boy.” After Eden performed the first chorus alone, Yearwood appeared and the two did a gender flip of the song, continuing their historic duet as “She’s In Love With The Girl.” It’s no question that Eden is a torch-bearer for inclusion in country music. Her talent and authenticity will irrevocably impact country music and its future.

Willie Jones

Sony Music Nashville | The Penthouse | CAA | Warner Chappell Music Nashville | BMI

Willie Jones is on the forefront of the juncture of country and hip-hop. His catchy production paired with his country sensibilities have found fans in both genres. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Jones grew up singing in the church choir. He is very clearly influenced by gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and country.

Early in 2021, Jones released his debut album Right Now, containing ear-worms “Back Porch,” “Down For It,” and “Right Now,” and produced by hip-hop’s MyGuyMars and Mark Batson, as well as country  songwriter/producer Justin Ebach. The project garnered millions of streams, exemplifying the demand for his signature sound. In March, Jones signed a record deal with Sony Music Nashville.

Also on Jones’ Right Now album is “American Dream,” a song inspired by the unrest in the U.S. following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Jones sings, “Proud to be a Black man livin’ in the land of the brave and the free / Yeah, I’m all-American and that American dream ain’t cheap.” Released to critical acclaim, “American Dream” illustrates Jones’ gift for packaging up deep themes in his delectable sound.

Ian Munsick

Warner Music Nashville | Not A Public Figure Management / Erv Woolsey Company | UTA | UMPG Nashville | BMI

Ian Munsick is breathing fresh Rocky Mountain air into country music. The Wyoming-born singer-songwriter’s brand of country is traditional with no shortage of fiddles, but also fresh and spellbinding. Munsick introduced himself as an independent artist in 2017 with a self-titled EP, building his fan-base with songs including “Horses Are Faster” and “Weakness.”

The determined young artist then brought a fully-formed album to Warner Music Nashville in 2020, prompting the label to sign him and release his full-length debut, Coyote Cry, this spring. Raised on a ranch playing music with his family band, Munsick cares deeply about the revitalization of modern western culture in country music. That is very evident on Coyote Cry with songs like its stomping romp about confidence called “Humble,” a Fleetwood Mac cover of “Dreams,” and a slow burner, “Come Home To You,” among other unique songs. Serving as a thesis to the project is “Long Haul,” a gorgeously lush track about Munsick’s love-affair for his home.

His unique brand of country is finding more fans on the road, as Munsick plays dates opening for label-mate Cody Johnson.

Lily Rose

Big Loud Records / Back Blocks Music and Republic Records | Back Blocks Music / Fusion Music | WME | UMPG Nashville / Back Blocks Music | BMI

Lily Rose burst onto the country scene with her moody, striking truth-bomb “Villain” in late 2020. Soon after it went viral on TikTok and hit the top of the iTunes all genre chart, Rose secured a record deal with Big Loud Records, Back Blocks Music and Republic Records.

Rose didn’t waste much time after getting her record deal, hitting listeners with quality song after quality song, including her reflective “Overnight Sensation,” flirty “Know My Way Around,” and heavy-hearted “Remind Me of You.” Rose’s songs, colored by country-inspired confessional language and smooth R&B influence, highlights the singer-songwriter’s ability to balance shimmery uniqueness with intimate relatability. In October, the Georgia native released her album, Stronger Than I Am, which has already amassed over 87 million global streams.

Rose will take her relatable songs and charisma to the road in 2022 on Chris Lane’s “Fill Them Boots Tour.” Her knack for approachable lyrics and hooky production will surely take Rose into further country stardom.

Brittney Spencer

Cohencidence Projects | UTA | BMI

Brittney Spencer graced her way into the Nashville music scene with authenticity and class. The Baltimore native went to MTSU to study music business, and earned some spots as a background singer with Christopher Cross and Carrie Underwood.

When she posted a cover of The Highwomen song “Crowded Table,” it caught the attention of members Amanda Shires and Maren Morris, who reposted the video and invited her to perform with them. Since then, Spencer has left audiences enthralled at every performance, building her fan base with her gorgeously powerful voice and thought-provoking lyrics. Her “Sober & Skinny” finds Spencer being honest with a partner, singing “when you get sober, I’ll get skinny.” Her “Sorrys Don’t Work No More” further highlights her intense depth as a songwriter.

Spencer will head out on her first headlining tour in December. She will also support Brett Eldredge and Reba McEntire on select dates in 2022, and undoubtedly earn many more new fans in her wake.

Tiera

Big Machine Label Group (The Valory Music Co.) | Olivia Hanceri, OH Creative Mgmt | WME | Songs & Daughters / Big Loud / Warner Chappell | BMI

Honey-voiced singer-songwriter Tiera is bringing soulful R&B into her brand of country music. Her talent was quickly noted by the industry, and Tiera became the flagship writer for Nicolle Galyon’s Songs & Daughters publishing company. A few months later, Tiera released the romantic “Found It in You.” Fans grabbed hold, which prompted the Alabama native to independently release her self-titled debut EP.

Tiera has a full-grasp on what she wants to sound like and what she wants to say, which is evident on “Not Your Girl.” She joins harmonies with Breland, a member of MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2021, on “Miles,” a country, R&B romp. Tiera’s full command of her sound attracted Big Machine Label Group, who signed her to The Valory Music Co. in August.

In addition to making music, Tiera hosts her own Apple Music Country Radio show. On The Tiera Show, she brings her unique perspective to country, and incorporates other sounds that influence her. Tiera is in her own lane, and we will definitely be seeing more of her in 2022.

Sam Williams

UMG Nashville (Mercury Nashville) | Missi Gallimore, T.R.U.T.H. Management | UTA | Truth or Dare / Warner Chappell Music | BMI

Not many have grown up the way Sam Williams did: as grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Williams Jr. While growing up in that country music dynasty has impacted Williams’ style, his music is very different from that of his father and grandfather’s.

As evidenced on his debut album, Glasshouse Children, Williams’ often profoundly country lyrics are draped in eclectic, polished production. The project offers songs about healing, growth, loss and redemption that show off Williams’ connection to country music’s roots and forward thinking approach to artistry. His sunny “Kids” invites Keith Urban to sing about wistful youth; while his reflective “Happy All The Time” features vocals from another country music icon, Dolly Parton.

In June, Williams announced he had signed a record deal with UMG’s Mercury Nashville. With the music industry deeply intrigued with his take on country music, Williams will surely be a part of the evolution of the genre.

On The Cover: Brett Eldredge Graces The Cover Of MusicRow’s 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue

MusicRow Magazine has released its 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue, with Warner Music Nashville’s Brett Eldredge gracing the cover with his holiday charm.

Eldredge recently released his second holiday record, Mr. Christmas, which includes two never-before-heard originals as well as many Christmas classics. The project follows the 2020 release of his original duet with Kelly Clarkson, “Under the Mistletoe,” and his acclaimed 2016 Christmas album Glow.

Since first coming onto the scene in 2014, the Platinum-selling recording artist has earned a plethora of honors, including CMA New Artist of the Year in 2014, BMI Song of the Year for “Beat of the Music” in 2015, and inclusion on a handful of top songs lists at the annual PRO music awards. From the RIAA, Eldredge has earned seven Platinum-certified singles, two Gold-certified singles, and two Gold-certified albums, as well as seen his singles hit the top of the country charts seven times.

The Touring & Next Big Thing Issue includes MusicRow’s eighth annual Next Big Thing class of artists, including Bexar (Warner Music Nashville), Cooper Alan (Cooped Up Records), Callista Clark (Big Machine Records), Hannah Dasher (Independent), Brooke Eden (BBR Music Group/BMG), Willie Jones (Sony Music Nashville), Ian Munsick (Warner Music Nashville), Lily Rose (Big Loud Records/ Back Blocks Music and Republic Records), Brittney Spencer (Independent), Tiera (The Valory Music Co.), and Sam Williams (Mercury Nashville).

This issue also features the N.B.T. Industry Directory Class of 2022, which spotlights rising Nashville music representatives who are having a major impact on the industry. These industry members occupy important roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.

This issue celebrates the return to the road as Dan + Shay execute their relaunched “The (Arena) Tour;” and also dives into the transition from TikTok to touring for the viral artists that were discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing issue also catches up with Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Venues for Bridgestone Arena, David Kells, who pulls back the curtain on some of the hardships the Nashville arena faced over the last 18 months.

MusicRow also remembers Randy “Baja” Fletcher, a titan of the touring industry who tragically passed away in August, with a special tribute to his journey through the live entertainment space and his vast contributions to the industry. This issue also features a Q&A with WME’s Nate Towne about his evolution from working in the mailroom to becoming a Partner, and includes an article on the Nashville Number System and how it is used in modern day recording. Additionally, the 2022 Touring Directory is included in this issue, featuring contact information for touring transportation, production and insurance companies.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2022 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships.

It’s Giving Tuesday: How Can You Give Back?

Today marks Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States. This day serves as a day of giving and MusicRow has rounded up a selection of some of the charities and organizations that support the Nashville music community.

See below for a list of organizations and how to donate.

ACM Lifting Lives

ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music, is dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. With donations and support from artists and fans, ACM Lifting Lives funds music health programs while also serving members of the music community who face unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. With generous donations and the support of artists and fans, ACM Lifting Lives has funded national music therapy programs serving various mental and physical health organizations. Since 2006, the organization has given more than $9 million to more than 150 worthy causes.

ACM Lifting Lives also responded to the growing needs in the country music industry from COVID-19 by creating the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund. This fund helps to alleviate the burden that many of the behind-the-scenes professionals, such as touring personnel, musicians, songwriters, and developing artists, are facing. To donate to ACM Lifting Lives or its COVID-19 Response Fund, click here.

Americana Music Association Foundation

Launched in 2020, the Americana Music Association Foundation (AMAF) aims to preserve and educate people about Americana music. Since its founding, the organization has raised COVID-19 funds in collaboration with The Bluegrass Situation. They have also formed a partnership with NYU Steinhardt by launching a special edition of WORDS & MUSIC, which featured guests Lori McKenna and Jonathan Taplin in virtual interviews. In October, Rosanne Cash was unveiled as the first Americana Artist-In-Residence at NYU Steinhardt where she will work with students in a series of lectures, workshops and classroom visits throughout the 2021-22 academic year.

The Foundation is in conversations with major museums and educational institutions around the country to create programming in line with its mission. To contribute to the Americana Music Association Foundation, click here.

 

CMA Foundation

Birthed from the passion of artists and industry professionals who first fell in love with music within the four walls of a classroom, the CMA Foundation began investing in music education in 2006. The Foundation, through partnerships within the country music community, provides students with the opportunity to participate in music education programs all across the country.

The CMA Foundation believes that music is an integral part of brain development, human connection, and stress relief. For students, music is an effective and invaluable tool to help improve academic achievement and social development, increase student participation and classroom engagement, and enhance social and emotional development. Throughout the last 15 years, the organization has been able to invest more than $27 million into the enrichment of music education programs. To donate to the CMA Foundation, click here.

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

At the heart of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s mission is education. During a time when music and music education are needed more than ever, the Museum doubled down on its commitment to connecting people everywhere with the art of songwriting. From curriculum-based school programs for students and teachers to music-making experiences for families, Museum educators offer unique resources across the United States, in Nashville neighborhoods, and inside the Museum’s walls.

Through giving from the country music industry and fans, many of these unique resources are available to participants at no cost. To donate to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum and its music education initiatives, click here.

International Bluegrass Music Association

The IBMA is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide. The IBMA Trust Fund was established in 1987 as a means to offer financial assistance to bluegrass music professionals and has given over $800,000 in direct aid to professionals in emergency need. The Fund helps eligible bluegrass professionals who are currently or have previously been significantly involved in the industry, including artists, composers, broadcasters, media representatives, event producers, agents, educators, managers, and employees of record companies. To donate to the IBMA Trust Fund, click here.

The IBMA Foundation helps individuals, organizations, foundations, and corporations work together in supporting the future of bluegrass music. Through grant-making, philanthropy, and planned giving, the foundation aims to share bluegrass with future generations. To donate to the IBMA Foundation, click here.

 

Music Health Alliance

Founded in January of 2013, Music Health Alliance aims to provide music industry members access to healthcare through services that protect, direct, and connect music professionals with medical and financial solutions. With this model, MHA allows the focus of the healthcare solution to be based solely on the client and their specific needs.

MHA has served over 13,000 music industry professionals and their families, and secured over $63 million in health care cost reductions to Heal the Music. To donate to Music Health Alliance, click here.

MusiCares

Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989, MusiCares aims to help the people behind the music that gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. The organization assists music professionals through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts. To donate to MusiCares, click here.

This holiday season, MusiCares is also hosting a Peer-2-Peer fundraising campaign. Through this initiative people are able to start their own personal fundraisers in support of Help for the Holidays. For more information, click here.

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum serves to honor all great musicians and technicians, regardless of genre or instruments, through exhibiting the actual instruments that were used to record some of the most iconic songs in recorded history. The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum also educates its visitors about the musicians who played on the sound tracks of their lives.

Through its patrons donations, the Hall is able to support dynamic exhibits and award-winning interactive features, education programs for children and youth, public programs featuring live performances by national and local artists, and interviews with music industry icons. To donate to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, click here.

 

Musicians On Call

Musicians On Call is the nation’s leading provider of live music in hospitals. For over 20 years, MOC has brought live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities for children, adults, VA hospitals and hospices. Throughout COVID-19, MOC has launched and expanded its Virtual Bedside Performance Program and Music Pharmacy to serve the populations most in need during the pandemic.

MOC believes that all patients, families and caregivers should have access to and benefit from the healing power of live music. It has been demonstrated that music has a direct effect on people and can improve blood pressure, manage stress, alleviate pain and improve pain tolerance, and improve outlook and overall mood. To donate to Musicians On Call, click here.

Nashville Musicians Association Crisis Assistance Fund

As part of the Nashville Musicians Association, the Crisis Assistance Fund seeks to assist professional musicians in the Nashville area who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially created after the 2010 Nashville Flood, the program was reactivated in early 2021 and distributed its first round of funds in August.

With hopes of a second distribution in the coming months, donations will go towards helping musicians who have lost work and need financial assistance. To donate to the Crisis Assistance Fund, click here.

Nashville Songwriters Foundation

Since 1970, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has enshrined some of the greatest writers to put words to music in Music City. Operated by the non-profit Nashville Songwriters Foundation, the Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring Nashville’s rich songwriting legacy through preservation, celebration and education. In 2013, the Hall opened its Hall of Fame Gallery, located on the first floor of Nashville’s Music City Center. In addition to songwriting memorabilia, the gallery features interactive touch screens that allow visitors to access audio, video and other digital information about the history of Nashville songwriting and members of the Hall of Fame.

Through donations, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame continues its mission to honor and preserve songwriting excellence. To donate to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, click here.

National Museum of African American Music

Opened in fall of 2020, the National Museum of African American Music is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. The museum’s collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present. NMAAM strives to educate the world, preserve the legacy, and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack.

In 2016, NMAAM created programs to further educate the community on the achievements and influences of African American music, reaching over 132,000 individuals across the country. To donate to the National Museum of African American Music and to support its education initiatives, click here.

Opry Trust Fund

Started in 1965 by the Grand Ole Opry, the Opry Trust Fund’s mission is to help those in the country music industry by offering financial assistance during their time of need. The Opry Trust Fund provides financial assistance in time of extraordinary need, emergency or catastrophe to individuals who are or have been employed full time in a facet of the country music industry, whether that’s as a performer, songwriter, publisher, radio, session musician, etc.

Since its inception, the Opry Trust Fund has distributed more than $4.8 million to assist with medical bills, living expenses, rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and more. To donate to the Opry Trust Fund, click here.

Porter’s Call

Porter’s Call is a non-profit based in Franklin, Tennessee that has provided recording artists free counsel, specifically attuned to their unique profession for over twenty years.

Today (Nov. 30) the organization announced Friends of Porter’s Call, a recurring giving program that invites donors to support the mission of Porter’s Call. Starting now, individuals are able to contribute donations ranging from $15 to $250 or more monthly. As a core component of the nonprofit’s ongoing fundraising initiatives, the program offers an accessible way for community members to give back. Donations ensure that the services of Porter’s Call can strategically meet the heightened need for free counseling and support.

To learn more and donate to Porter’s Call, please visit porterscall.com/friends.

Touring Professionals Alliance Relief Kitchen

The Touring Professionals Alliance (TPA) includes over 200 Production Managers, Tour Managers, Coordinators, Vendors, Accountants, and other committed industry professionals, all working together to find solutions for the music industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The TPA strives to address the unique needs of the music community, specifically the touring industry, including assistance in finding aid for crew members facing economic hardship, health insurance, mental health issues, and more.

The Touring Professionals Alliance Kitchen program was launched last year as a direct result of the pandemic that left tens of thousands of touring professionals out of work. Through a grant from BMI, the Kitchen was able to provide over 100 music industry members with chef-driven, high-quality meals. To donate to the Touring Professionals Alliance or the Touring Professionals Alliance Relief Kitchen, click here.

Taylor Swift Leaps To The Top Of The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Taylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant

Upon releasing the re-recorded version of her 2012 album, Red, Taylor Swift leaps to the top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. Swift has charted an astounding 21 of the 30 tracks from Red (Taylor’s Version).

Ashley Gorley takes the No. 2 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. He is a co-writer on “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy) and “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett).

Jesse Frasure, Jonathan Singleton and Michael Hardy complete the top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Reba To Open New Restaurant, Bar & Live Music Venue In Oklahoma

Reba McEntire

During a show in her home state of Oklahoma this weekend, Reba McEntire revealed she is developing Reba’s Place, a restaurant, bar, live music venue and retail store set to open in Atoka, Oklahoma in 2022.

Rendering of Reba’s Place

Reba’s Place is being constructed in a century old Masonic Temple, and will feature two stories of dining space that opens up to a central stage which will regularly host live music performances. The style of the venue is influenced by Reba’s western heritage and includes a curated collection of memorabilia from the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s personal archives. Reba’s Place is created in partnership with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the city of Atoka.

“I’m very excited to be opening a place so close to my roots,” shares Reba. “The Choctaw Nation and the city of Atoka are wonderful partners and I can’t wait to welcome our first guests to Reba’s Place. We are working very hard to create something not only for the local community, but that will also bring in folks from across the country.”

As for the menu, Reba’s Place is set to include the “Fancy” steak dinner, street tacos, chicken fried steak and Reba’s personal favorite, pinto beans and corn bread. The menu also includes scratch-made versions of many of the dishes most popular in the region, alongside favorites from other areas including Nashville, New Orleans and Mexico.

The retail space will feature a combination of merchandise created just for this new venture alongside established Reba favorites.

Dustin Lynch & MacKenzie Porter Remain At No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart

Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter continue their reign on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, marking a two-week No. 1 for their duet “Thinking ‘Bout You.” Lynch is credited as a songwriter on the single alongside Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, and Will Weatherly.

The duet originally appeared as a collaboration on Lynch’s album Tullahoma with Lauren Alaina. When Alaina wasn’t available to be a part of the single release, Lynch put a call out to the country music community for submissions for the part from up-and-coming female artists.

“I had my team remove all the names from the submissions and just number them so I wouldn’t be persuaded based on if I knew who it was, what camp they’re a part of, what they look like. On my first listen I ended up pointing to file number two or whatever it was. Two weeks later, I’m still listening through and keep coming back to it. It ended up being MacKenzie Porter,” Lynch explains. “We all gravitated to her performance, and I think there’s reason for that.” Click here to read MusicRow‘s full interview with Dustin Lynch.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Mickey Guyton, Jimmie Allen Among Grammy Nominees

Pictured (L-R, top row): Chris Stapleton, Mickey Guyton; (L-R, bottom row): Jimmie Allen, Brandi Carlile

The nominees for The 64th Grammy Awards were revealed Tuesday (Nov. 23), with plenty of Nashville’s finest musicians well-represented.

In the country categories, Mickey Guyton and Chris Stapleton dominate with three each. Stapleton, who nearly swept the CMA Awards earlier this month, is nominated for Best Country Album (Starting Over), Best Country Song (“Cold”), and Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”). Guyton, who gave a historic performance on this year’s Grammy Awards, is also nominated for Best Country Album (Remember Her Name), Best Country Song (“Remember Her Name”), and Best Country Solo Performance (“Remember Her Name”).

Jimmie Allen, the CMA’s newly crowned New Artist of the Year and the ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year, is the only country artists nominated in the four general field categories, as Best New Artist.

Miranda Lambert accepting the Best Country Album award for Wildcard at the 63rd Grammy Awards on March 14, 2021. Photo: Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Kacey Musgraves, whose album Star-Crossed was deemed not eligible for Country Album of the Year, is nominated for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for “Camera Roll,” a song from that project.

Maren Morris is nominated for Best Country Song for “Better Than We Found It,” and is nominated for Best Country Duo Or Group Performance alongside her husband Ryan Hurd for their duet, “Chasing After You.” Miranda Lambert is nominated in the Duo/Group Performance category with Elle King for “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” and with Jon Randall and Jack Ingram for The Marfa Tapes (Best Country Album).

Carrie Underwood is nominated alongside her duet parter Jason Aldean in the Country Duo/Group Performance category for “If I Didn’t Love You.” She is also nominated for Best Roots Gospel Album for My Savior.

Brothers Osborne are nominated for Duo/Group Performance for “Younger Me,” and for Best Country Album for Skeletons.

Other country artists represented in the nominees list are Luke Combs (Best Country Solo Performance for “Forever After All”), Dan + Shay (Best Country Duo Or Group Performance for “Glad You Exist”), Thomas Rhett (Best Country Song for “Country Again”), and Walker Hayes (Best Country Song for “Fancy Like”). Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson are nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, Parton for her A Holly Dolly Christmas and Nelson for his That’s Life.

Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson are also nominated in country categories, including Isbell’s “All I Do Is Drive” for Best Country Solo Performance and Simpson’s The Ballad Of Dood & Juanita for Best Country Album. Elsewhere, Simpson received a nomination for Best Bluegrass Album for Cuttin’ Grass – Vol. 1 (Butcher Shoppe Sessions).

A slew of Nashville writers, including Natalie Hemby, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Brady Clark, Brandi Carlile, Hailey Whitters and Ruby Amanfu are nominated alongside Alicia Keys and Linda Perry for Song of the Year with “A Beautiful Noise,” recorded by Keys and Carlile.

Brandi Carlile and wife Catherine Shepherd at the 2019 Grammy Awards. Photo: Courtesy Sacks & Co.

In addition to garnering two nominations for Song of the Year for both “A Beautiful Noise” and her own “Right On Time,” Carlile earned a whopping five nominations, including for Record Of The Year and Best Pop Solo Performance (“Right On Time”), and Best American Roots Performance (“Same Devil” with Brandy Clark).

Like Musgraves, Carlile’s single “Right On Time” was shifted to the best pop performance category rather than the American Roots division.

In the American Roots categories, Yola came out with two for Best American Roots Song (“Diamond Studded Shoes”) and Best Americana Album (Stand For Myself). Jackson Browne (Downhill From Everywhere), John Hiatt with The Jerry Douglas Band (Leftover Feelings), Los Lobos (Native Sons), and Allison Russell (Outside Child) are represented alongside Yola for Best Americana Album.

Other nominees in the American Roots categories were Jon Batiste, Billy Strings, The Blind Boys Of Alabama & Béla Fleck, Brandy Clark, and Rhiannon Giddens.

In the Christian and Gospel category, Cece Winans earned three nominations for Best Gospel Performance/Song (“Believe For It”), Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song (“Believe For It”), and Best Gospel Album (Believe For It).

Dante Bowe was nominated three times in the Best Gospel Performance/Song category, for “Voice Of God,” “Joyful,” and “Wait On You,” the latter recorded by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music.

Other Nashvillians represented in the Grammy nominees include Ashley Gorley and Ben Johnson (“All My Favorite Songs”) and Kings of Leon in the Best Rock Song category. Additionally, The Black KeysDelta Kream and Steve Cropper‘s Fire It Up are both nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album, Gramps Morgan‘s Positive Vibration is nominated for Best Reggae Album, Nashville Symphony Orchestra conductor Giancarlo Guerrero earned a nomination for Best Orchestral Performance (“Adams: My Father Knew Charles Ives; Harmonielehre”) and Sam Ashworth and others are nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media (“Speak Now.”)

Jon Batiste led the nominees this year with 11, including for Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song for “Cry.” Young artists made up the pop and general field nominees, with Justin Bieber, Doja Cat and H.E.R. garnering eight each, and Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo nabbing seven. All five are under 28.

The 2022 Grammy Awards will be held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3, 2022, broadcasting live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+ at 8 – 11:30 p.m. ET / 5-8:30 p.m. PT.

Final round voting to determine Grammy winners will take place from Dec. 6, 2021 to Jan. 5, 2022. Click here for a full list of 2022 Grammy nominees.

Recording Academy Reveals Nominees For 64th Grammy Awards

The nominees for The 64th Grammy Awards were announced today (Nov. 23) by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt.

To help reveal the nominees of all 86 categories, the Recording Academy also enlisted country star Carly Pearce, as well as comedian Nate Bargatze, past Grammy nominee Jon Batiste, past Grammy nominees BTS, four-time Grammy award-winner H.E.R., CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King, rock band Måneskin, and past Grammy nominee Tayla Parx.

In the general categories, including Best New Artist, and Album, Song, and Record Of The Year, the Recording Academy expanded the nominee count from 8 to 10. This is also the first year that the nominees will reflect the elimination of nomination review committees in general and genre fields, as well as other changes.

The 2022 Grammy Awards will be held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3, 2022, broadcasting live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+ at 8 – 11:30 p.m. ET / 5-8:30 p.m. PT.

Final round voting to determine Grammy winners will take place from Dec. 6, 2021 to Jan. 5, 2022.

Here are the top nominees in selected categories:

Record Of The Year
“I Still Have Faith In You,” ABBA
“Freedom,” Jon Batiste
“I Get A Kick Out Of You,” Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
“Peaches,” Justin Bieber Featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon
“Right On Time,” Brandi Carlile
“Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat Featuring SZA
“Happier Than Ever,” Billie Eilish
“Montero,” (Call Me By Your Name) Lil Nas X
“drivers license,” Olivia Rodrigo
“Leave The Door Open,” Silk Sonic

Album Of The Year:
We Are, Jon Batiste
Love For Sale, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe), Justin Bieber
Planet Her (Deluxe), Doja Cat
Happier Than Ever, Billie Eilish
Back Of My Mind, H.E.R.
Montero, Lil Nas X
Sour, Olivia Rodrigo
Evermore, Taylor Swift
Donda, Kanye West

Song Of The Year
“Bad Habits,” Fred Gibson, Johnny McDaid & Ed Sheeran, songwriters (Ed Sheeran)
“A Beautiful Noise,” Ruby Amanfu, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Alicia Keys, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Linda Perry & Hailey Whitters, songwriters (Alicia Keys And Brandi Carlile)
“drivers license,” Daniel Nigro & Olivia Rodrigo, songwriters (Olivia Rodrigo)
“Fight For You,” Dernst Emile II, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas, songwriters (H.E.R.)
“Happier Than Ever,” Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
“Kiss Me More,” Rogét Chahayed, Amala Zandile Dlamini, Lukasz Gottwald, Carter Lang, Gerard A. Powell II, Solána Rowe & David Sprecher, songwriters (Doja Cat Featuring SZA)
“Leave The Door Open,” Brandon Anderson, Christopher Brody Brown, Dernst Emile II & Bruno Mars, songwriters (Silk Sonic)
“Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” Denzel Baptiste, David Biral, Omer Fedi, Montero Hill & Roy Lenzo, songwriters (Lil Nas X)
“Peaches,” Louis Bell, Justin Bieber, Giveon Dezmann Evans, Bernard Harvey, Felisha “Fury,” King, Matthew Sean Leon, Luis Manual Martinez Jr., Aaron Simmonds, Ashton Simmonds, Andrew Wotman & Keavan Yazdani, songwriters (Justin Bieber Featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon)
“Right On Time,” Brandi Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth & Tim Hanseroth, songwriters (Brandi Carlile)

Best New Artist
Arooj Aftab
Jimmie Allen
Baby Keem
FINNEAS
Glass Animals
Japanese Breakfast
The Kid Laroi
Arlo Parks
Olivia Rodrigo
Saweetie

Best Pop Vocal Album
Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe), Justin Bieber
Planet Her (Deluxe), Doja Cat
Happier Than Ever, Billie Eilish
Positions, Ariana Grande
Sour, Olivia Rodrigo

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Love For Sale, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
Til We Meet Again (Live), Norah Jones
A Tori Kelly Christmas, Tori Kelly
Ledisi Sings Nina, Ledisi
That’s Life, Willie Nelson
A Holly Dolly Christmas, Dolly Parton

Best Country Solo Performance
“Forever After All,” Luke Combs
“Remember Her Name,” Mickey Guyton
“All I Do Is Drive,” Jason Isbell
“Camera Roll,” Kacey Musgraves
“You Should Probably Leave,” Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo Or Group Performance
“If I Didn’t Love You,” Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
“Younger Me,” Brothers Osborne
“Glad You Exist,” Dan + Shay
“Chasing After You,” Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris
“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Elle King & Miranda Lambert

Best Country Song
“Better Than We Found It,” Maren Morris
“Camera Roll,” Kacey Musgraves
“Cold,” Chris Stapleton
“Country Again,” Thomas Rhett
“Fancy Like,” Walker Hayes
“Remember Her Name,” Mickey Guyton

Best Country Album
Skeletons, Brothers Osborne
Remember Her Name, Mickey Guyton
The Marfa Tapes, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall & Jack Ingram
The Ballad Of Dood & Juanita, Sturgill Simpson
Starting Over, Chris Stapleton

Best American Roots Performance
“CRY,” Jon Batiste
“Love And Regret,” Billy Strings
“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free,” The Blind Boys Of Alabama & Béla Fleck
“Same Devil,” Brandy Clark Featuring Brandi Carlile
“Nightflyer,” Allison Russell

Best American Roots Song
“Avalon,” Rhiannon Giddens With Francesco Turrisi
“Call Me A Fool,” Valerie June Featuring Carla Thomas
“CRY,” Jon Batiste
“Diamond Studded Shoes,” Yola
“Nightflyer,” Allison Russell

Best Americana Album
Downhill From Everywhere, Jackson Browne
Leftover Feelings, John Hiatt With The Jerry Douglas Band
Native Sons, Los Lobos
Outside Child, Allison Russell
Stand for Myself, Yola

Best Bluegrass Album
Renewal, Billy Strings
My Bluegrass Heart, Béla Fleck
A Tribute to Bill Monroe, The Infamous Stringdusters
Cuttin’ Grass – Vol. 1 (Butcher Shoppe Sessions), Sturgill Simpson
Music Is What I See, Rhonda Vincent

Best Folk Album
One Night Lonely (Live), Mary Chapin Carpenter
Long Violent History, Tyler Childers
Wednesday (Extended Edition), Madison Cunningham
They’re Calling Me Home, Rhiannon Giddens With Francesco Turrisi
Blue Heron Suite, Sarah Jarosz

Best Gospel Performance Song
“Voice Of God,” Dante Bowe Featuring Steffany Gretzinger & Chandler Moore
“Joyful,” Dante Bowe
“Help,” Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
“Never Lost,” Cece Winans
“Wait On You,” Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“We Win,” Kirk Franklin & Lil Baby
“Hold Us Together (Hope Mix),” H.E.R. & Tauren Wells
“Man Of Your Word,” Chandler Moore & KJ Scriven
“Believe For It,” Cece Winans
“Jireh,” Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music Featuring Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine

Best Gospel Album
Changing Your Story, Jekalyn Carr
Royalty: Live At The Ryman, Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition, Maverick City Music
Jonny x Mali: Live In LA, Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music
Believe For It, CeCe Winans

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
No Stranger, Natalie Grant
Feels Like Home Vol. 2, Israel & New Breed
The Blessing (Live), Kari Jobe
Citizen of Heaven (Live), Tauren Wells
Old Church Basement, Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music

Best Roots Gospel Album
Alone With My Faith, Harry Connick, Jr.
That’s Gospel, Brother, Gaither Vocal Band
Keeping On, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Songs for the Times, The Isaacs
My Savior, Carrie Underwood

Click here for a full list of 2022 Grammy nominees.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Ups Josh Van Valkenburg To EVP, Creative

Josh Van Valkenburg

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has announced the promotion of Josh Van Valkenburg to Executive Vice President, Creative.

In his new role, Van Valkenburg is responsible for leading the team’s A&R strategy, supporting SMP Nashville’s roster, developing new talent, and delivering new creative opportunities for the company’s songwriters. He reports directly to CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville, Rusty Gaston.

Throughout his career, Van Valkenburg’s singings have garnered over 70 No. 1 hits on country radio. He has worked alongside chart-topping songwriters and producers including 4-time BMI Songwriter of the Year Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Lindsay Rimes, Chris DeStefano, and 2021 ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Josh Osborne, as well as artist-writers such as Brett Eldredge and Chase Rice.

Prior to becoming EVP, Creative, Van Valkenburg held the position of Sr. VP Creative and has spearheaded SMP Nashville’s creative efforts since 2015. He has been with the company since 2005, launching his music publishing career at EMI Music Publishing. He was later promoted to the A&R team as Creative Manager in 2008, and in 2012 Van Valkenburg joined the Sony/ATV creative team as Creative Director.

“Our Sony Music Publishing family is committed to lifting up and empowering all of our songwriters, from Nashville to the entire world,” Van Valkenburg shares. “This ethos begins at the top with Jon Platt and Rusty Gaston, to whom I am so grateful for this opportunity. I’m so proud of our entire Nashville team and our recent wins as ASCAP and BMI Publisher of the Year. We’re just getting started on an incredible journey and I’m fired up to be a part of it!”

Gaston adds, “Josh is one of the smartest music publishing executives I have ever met. He leads the way in thinking strategically with every songwriter on our roster, and he takes actions that lead to results. We couldn’t be prouder to have him on our team.”