Luke Bryan & Peyton Manning To Host 56th Annual CMA Awards

Luke Bryan & Peyton Manning

Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan and NFL superstar Peyton Manning are set to host the 56th Annual CMA Awards, broadcasting live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 7-10 p.m. CT on ABC. This will mark Bryan’s second consecutive year to host the CMA Awards, and Manning’s first.

“Being a part of such a historical night that honors my peers and country music is such a privilege,” says Bryan. “When I was asked if Peyton Manning was someone I would consider co-hosting with I didn’t hesitate. We have become great friends through the years and what he brings to the table is gonna make it even more of a blast. I know he’s been to the CMA Awards before, but he’s never been with me. Hey Peyton, I hope you’re ready for the night of your life!”

“I cannot wait to head to Nashville and take the CMA Awards stage alongside my friend Luke Bryan,” Manning adds. “I am such a huge fan of country music, so to have the chance to stand among so many incredibly talented artists is an absolute honor.”

“’Country Music’s Biggest Night’ will without a doubt live up to its expectation this year,” notes Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “During an evening when we celebrate the best of the best in country music, we are thrilled to have two award-winning hosts at the helm! I cannot wait to see what Luke and Peyton have up their sleeves, which I’m sure will be hilariously unpredictable and playfully energetic, just like the two of them.”

Final nominees for the 56th Annual CMA Awards will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The 56th Annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Alan Carter is the Director and  Jon Macks is the Head Writer.

Brad Turcotte Exits UMG Nashville, Joins 615 Leverage + Strategy As Partner

Brad Turcotte. Photo: Daniel C. White

Music industry veteran Brad Turcotte has joined 615 Leverage + Strategy as Partner, it was announced Monday morning (Aug. 1).

Turcotte comes to 615 Leverage + Strategy having most recently served as VP of Marketing for Universal Music Group Nashville. There he worked with artists such as Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Eric Church. Prior to UMG, Turcotte spent time as Head of International for the Big Machine Label Group, as well as EVP at Music World Entertainment. Previously, Turcotte founded and sold his own record label, Compadre Records, with a roster including Hayes Carll, Billy Joe Shaver, James McMurtry and Townes Van Zandt.

615 Leverage + Strategy was founded by industry veterans John Zarling and Jackie Campbell Seaton in 2019. The boutique firm focuses on marketing strategy, brand integration, event curation, project management as well as artist relations. 615 Leverage + Strategy’s client list includes artists, record labels, management firms, and festivals. Additionally, 615 Leverage + Strategy provides consultation services for general market companies desiring to reach the country music and lifestyle audiences.

“After working at record labels for 25 consecutive years, I’m looking forward to starting a new journey and especially grateful to my long-time friends Jackie and John for inviting me to join their agency,” shares Turcotte. “I have long admired their creative initiatives, so it’s exciting to think about the amazing things we will accomplish together.”

“We are excited to welcome Brad as a partner in our business. His previous career successes in international marketing and brand partnerships will be invaluable to our existing clients as well as the new business and relationships he is bringing with him,” Zarling and Seaton jointly state. “On top of that, he’s a pragmatic thinker who brings a law degree and years of successfully executing complex artist and brand campaigns.”

Turcotte can be reached at brad@615leverage.com or via 615-491-4870.

Luke Combs Rushes To The Top Of The MusicRow Radio Chart

Topping this week’s MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is Luke Combs with “The Kind Of Love We Make.” The single reached the chart peak in just six weeks at radio.

Combs shares, “I wrote this song in Montana with Dan [Isbell] and Reid Isbell and my guitar tech Jamie Davis, who used to be in a band with Dan. I met Jamie through Dan. Jamie had the idea, and Dan and Reid brought it to me and I thought it was a killer melody. It ended up being one of those songs that wrote itself. Dan, Reid and I are all having kids within a month of each other, so maybe this song had something to do with that.”

Combs sits at No. 13 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, while Dan Isbell ranks at No. 29, Reid Isbell at No. 41 and Davis at No. 42.

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

2022 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Artist Of The Year

Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 34th MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Artist of the Year category. This category is voted on by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor outstanding achievements by a Nashville artist during the eligibility period of June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022.

The winners of this year’s honors will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 30. Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 29 at 5:00 p.m.

To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.

Kane Brown has continued to push the country music format forward since he first came onto the scene in 2016. Over the past year, Brown has released country hits such as “One Mississippi” and “Like I Love Country Music,” and continued his crossover success in pop music with collaborations with Blackbear (“Memory”) and Nelly (“Cool Again”). Brown also celebrated a multi-week No. 1 with Chris Young with “Famous Friends,” an ACM Video of the Year win for “Worldwide Beautiful,” and a highly successful “Blessed & Free Tour,” which made him the first country artist in history to headline every NBA basketball arena in a single tour. He’s also expanded his music business footprint. In early 2021, Brown launched 1021 Entertainment, a joint venture record label with Sony Music Nashville, and signed Restless Road. He is also continually signing songwriters to his publishing company Verse 2 Music. Brown celebrated his first No. 1 as a publisher this year when Verse 2 Music writer Levon Grey, who is nominated for MusicRow‘s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year this year, co-wrote Brown’s seventh chart-topper, “One Mississippi.”

Eric Church thrilled fans in April of 2021 when he released a three-album project Heart & Soul via EMI Records Nashville. The chart-topping triple album spawned the hits “Hell of a View,” which took home MusicRow‘s Song of the Year award last year, and “Heart On Fire.” Church’s new single from the project, “Doing Life With Me,” is rising at radio now. In June, Church wrapped “The Gather Again Tour,” which hit 55 cities and was named the Top Country Tour at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. Early this year, Church announced his plans to open a new six-story property at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway in downtown Nashville called Chief’s. The multi-Platinum artist plans to begin renovating the food, beverage and live entertainment space this year. Church’s publishing company, Little Louder Music, which he co-founded with Arturo Buenahora, also celebrated nine years in business, nine songwriters and nine No. 1 hits this year.

Luke Combs has had a transformative year since he won Artist of the Year at the 2021 MusicRow Awards. He notched his 11th (“Forever After All”), 12th (“Cold As You”) and 13th (“Doin’ This”) No. 1 songs, he was named Entertainer of the Year for the first time at the CMA Awards, and he became a father. In June, Combs released his newest album, Growin’ Up, via River House Artists/Columbia Nashville. The 12-song project includes the hit song and current MusicRow Song of the Year nominee “Doin’ This,” the fast-rising “The Kind of Love We Make,” and other fan-favorites such as “Tomorrow Me” and “Outrunnin’ Your Memory” featuring Miranda Lambert. With Growin’ Up, the history-making artist follows up his first two studio albums that both spent more than 25 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart–breaking Taylor Swift’s previously held record of 24 weeks. This fall, Combs will hit the road again on his “Middle of Somewhere” tour, and will also play a sold-out show at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which ranked among the fastest sell-outs in the venue’s history.

Walker Hayes‘ success transcended country music this past year, after many years of hard work on Music Row. Following the release of his Country Stuff EP in May of 2021, Hayes posted a video on TikTok of him and his daughter Lela dancing to his new song “Fancy Like.” The video went viral and within a month, the track hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. It didn’t stop there, though. “Fancy Like” held its top position on the Hot Country Songs chart for over six months, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, was nominated for two ACM Awards, and was even nominated for Best Country Song at the Grammys. The song’s relatable, downhome, and somewhat silly message transcended country music, taking Hayes into the stratosphere and allowing him to perform everywhere from the American Music Awards to the halftime show of the AFC Championship game. In January, Hayes released his follow up album, Country Stuff The Album, which contained his quickly rising single, “AA.” Hayes also released his first book, Glad You’re Here, and announced his tour of the same name that will kick off in September.

Miranda Lambert expanded her musical legacy with three different projects over the last year. Alongside Jack Ingram and Producer of the Year nominee Jon Randall, Lambert released a stripped down, campfire love letter to Texas with Grammy-nominated The Marfa Tapes in early 2021. By the fall she teamed back up with her Pistol Annies cohorts, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley, to release Hell of a Holiday. Then in April, Lambert released her eighth studio album, Palomino, via Vanner Records/RCA Nashville. The 15-song album features the singer-songwriter’s recent hit “If I Was a Cowboy” as well as her rising single “Strange.” Lambert, who is the most decorated artist in the history of the Academy of Country Music with 37 trophies, took home her first Entertainer of the Year award in April. The country star opened her new Tex-Mex cantina in downtown Nashville, Casa Rosa, making her the first female country artist-owned establishment on Nashville’s Lower Broadway. Lambert also hit the top of the charts with Elle King on “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” continuously gave to animals in need with her Muttnation organization, and announced her upcoming Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas residency, kicking off in September.

Carly Pearce released 29, the seven-song project that would change the trajectory of her career, in early 2021. The project was met with wide acclaim, with songs such as “Next Girl” ushering in a new era of honest, vulnerable and downright country music from Pearce. She built on the project’s success with a full length album, 29: Written In Stone. Alongside Ashley McBryde, Pearce scored her third No. 1 single with “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” which is nominated for Song of the Year at this year’s MusicRow Awards. Her newest single, “What He Didn’t Do,” is currently rising at country radio. Pearce added a CMA Award and 2 ACM Awards to her arsenal this past year, and is the reigning CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year. She took her 29 album on the road before jumping on Kenny Chesney’s “Here And Now 2022” stadium tour. Pearce was also invited to become a Grand Ole Opry member by her hero Dolly Parton, was announced as 2022 inductee into the Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame, and tapped to host of the 15th annual ACM Honors.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Shania Twain Offers New ‘Wildly Hooky Earworm’

Hot enough for ya?

To match the weather, the country artists are heating up your summer playlist this week. Kat & Alex, Tiera Kennedy, a reggae-fied Dolly, Dylan Scott and Charley Crocket lead the way with fine new sounds.

The Disc of the Day belongs to the always effervescent Shania Twain. Check out her new bio documentary. It’s a winner, too.

The DISCovery Award is a toss-up between two duos–BoomTown Saints and O.N.E The Duo. Lend both teams your ears. You won’t be sorry.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “I’m Just a Clown”
Writer: Charley Crockett; Producer: Bruce Robison; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
–Currently wowing crowds opening for Willie Nelson, the prolific Crockett is set to drop The Man From Waco as the latest of his 10+ albums in September. This advance single is a bluesy, horn-punctuated outing with a mid-tempo groove. The band cooks with gas.

DYLAN SCOTT / “Amen to That”
Writers: James McNair/Morgan Wallen/Mark Holman/Micheal Hardy; Producers: Will Weatherly/Matt Alderman/Mark Holman; Label: Curb
–Scott rumbles through this ode to the power of love with honky-tonk confidence and beats to spare. It’s the title tune of his current tour.

O.N.E THE DUO / “Stuck in the Middle”
Writers: Nash Overstreet/Shane Stevens/Tekitha Washington/Prana Supreme Diggs; Producer: Nash Overstreet; Label: Visionary Media Group
–Diggs and Washington are a Black, mother-daughter act who display immense verve on this fiddle-and-guitar ditty. The highly imaginative production pairs their sunny, trippy vocals with acoustic riffs and catchy, clicky percussion. Very ear grabbing.

SHANIA TWAIN / “Not Just a Girl”
Writers: Mark Ralph/Wayne Hector/Shania Twain; Producer: Mark Ralph; Label: EMI
–Twain’s new documentary is currently on Netflix, and it’s an excellent depiction of how gifted and important she is, plus a reminder of why she’s a nominee for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The film’s title tune begins in her low-alto register, then romps into multi-harmonized choruses. As is characteristic of her work, it is also a wildly hooky earworm with girl-power attitude.

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Up to No Good”
Writers: Lindsay Rimes/Russell Sutton/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Warner/717 Tapes
–His raspy, drawling delivery and the riff-heavy, rocking choruses give this its outlaw edge.

KAT & ALEX / “We Bought a House”
Writers: Alex Georgia/Josh Osborne/Lindsay Rimes/Kat Georgia; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Sony
–Lovely and lilting. Amid an airy audio atmosphere, they sing of settling into domesticity as young lovers with more passion than money. Sweetly heartfelt.

ALEX WILLIAMS / “No Reservations”
Writers: Alex Wiliams/Mando Saenz; Producer: Ben Fowler; Label: Big Machine/Lightning Rod
–Swaggering and darkly rocking, he stomps and snarls his way through this ode to a musician’s life on the road while guitars scream in accompaniment.

KELLY LANG / “Midnight Train to Georgia”
Writers: Jim Weatherly; Producer: none listed; Label: KL
–On this revival, Lang doesn’t stray too far from the arrangement immortalized by Gladys Knight & The Pips in 1973. Above the horns and backing voices, her silky lead is full of warmth and yearning. A classy performance of a classic song.

POSITIVE VIBRATIONS & DOLLY PARTON / “Two Doors Down”
Writers: Dolly Parton; Producer: The Berman Brothers; Label: BMG Nashville
Country Goes Reggae is a new album pairing of top Jamaican musicians with such iconic country voices as Toby Keith, Jimmie Allen, Rascal Flatts, Alabama and Randy Houser. The divine Dolly is along for the ride on a bouncy treatment of her upbeat 1978 hit. “Everybody wanna party!” she chirps enthusiastically while the distinctive backbeat lopes along.

BOOMTOWN SAINTS / “All Trucks Go To Heaven”
Writers: Taylor Phillips/Ben Stennis/Jeremy Bussey; Producers: Noah Gordon/Gary Kraen; Label: 8 Track Entertainment
–Tuneful and charming, the song laments the time when you have to give up your beloved but worn-out vehicle. The production is a delight, mixing burbling percussion with pristine guitar lines and tasteful strings. Brilliantly accomplished. BoomTown Saints is a duo comprised of Chris Ramos and Ben Chism.

THE SIX ONE FIVE COLLECTIVE / “Blinding Lights”
Writers: Abel Tesfaye/Ahmad Balshe/Jason Quenneville/Max Martin/Oscar Holter; Producers: Gabe Klein/Gideon Klein; Label: 615
–The group is made up of singer-songwriters Nicole Witt, Jamie Floyd, Michael Logan and Sarah Darling. The song comes from The Weeknd. The four-part harmony work is outstanding, as is the strummy, acoustic, folksy arrangement. Can’t wait to hear what else this combo has up its talented sleeves.

TIERA KENNEDY / “Found It In You”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Tiera Leftwich; Producer: Cameron Bedell/Dann Huff; Label: Valory
–This was originally released last year when she was billed as simply “Tiera.” Now she has a label deal and is being re-introduced with the lustrous, blissful country love song. Enchanting is the word.

Brooke Eden Chooses Love In New Chapter Of Music [Interview]

Brooke Eden. Photo: Ford Fairchild

Six years since her last EP, Brooke Eden is releasing her most vulnerable collection to date this Friday (July 29). Entitled Choosing You, the five-song project flexes some of Eden’s writing muscle as she invites listeners into her journey to self-love, empowerment and finding who she really is.

First introducing herself to the world in 2014 as an independent artist before releasing her breakthrough singles “Daddy’s Money” and “Act Like You Don’t” on Red Bow Records, Eden spent several years radio silent before re-emerging in 2021 with a collection of new music and a new level of unabashed confidence.

The budding BBR Music Group artist came out in 2021, publicly embracing who she is as an LGBTQ+ artist. Now, her music reflects that same energy while also sharing her story of self-acceptance.

Within the new EP’s five Jesse Frasure-produced tracks are the sassy, ’70s-inspired “Comeback Love,” the high-flying and imaginative “Off The Ground,” something resembling the perspective of a big sister pep-talk in “Knock,” finding true love and self-love in “Heartless,” and the project’s powerful lead single “Left You For Me,” which marks the first page of Eden’s new musical chapter.

Pictured (L-R): Tom Clees – VP, Federal Public Policy at RIAA; Congressman David Cicilline; Brooke Eden

The singer-songwriter also announced a partnership with the RIAA dubbed Music Matters in late May 2022. An initiative that will have Eden appearing in schools, medical centers and recording studios throughout the year, Music Matters is designed to demonstrate how music can enable our authentic voice, give us purpose, connect us to each other and give us strength and courage to navigate life’s challenges. Officially launched on June 23, Eden joined Congressman David Cicilline, Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, for a conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ equality and representation.

Eden recently sat down with MusicRow to catch up on her last few years, the Music Matters program, and the heart behind Choosing You.

MusicRow: You’ve had an interesting couple of years. What have you been up to leading up to this new EP?

I feel like I have completely rebranded myself as a human and as an artist. I’ve started a brand new chapter of my life over the last three years, and I feel like I’ve taken my power back as a human and as an artist, which forces you to become a different artist and a different songwriter.

Brooke Eden. Photo: Courtesy of PFA Media

The pandemic was like a reset button or almost like a bullshit button, where you hit the button and all the bullshit disappeared. I realized what was actually important in life. It was a really hard time for the world, but I’m actually really appreciative of it. I don’t know that I would be where I am in my own self journey if it wasn’t for the pandemic and the bullshit button being pushed.

[The pandemic] really intensified and magnified what things are important in my life. It showed me the things that make me happy and forced me to question why am I not living for those things. Why am I trying so hard to make all of these other people happy instead of living my life? The last couple of years have been like my journey to self love and self empowerment. This music is very indicative of that, and it’s just been a wild three years.

There is a common thread of empowerment and self love in this project. Is that the message that you want to communicate or is it something bigger?

This was the time in my life when I felt the most comfortable in my skin. I hope that my life and my story is an invitation for other people to also feel like they can be comfortable in their skin.

If you notice, there’s no song called “Choosing You” or even a lyric that says choosing you. I was driving with my fiancé, Hillary, in the car one day and I was like, “In choosing you, I ultimately chose myself because I finally was able to love like I wanted to love and be loved.”

That’s where Choosing You came from, and I think that’s the thread within all of this. “Left You For Me” and “Knock” are about choosing yourself, then the other three are love songs about choosing a person that allows you to choose yourself and encourages you to be the best version of yourself.

I hope that there’s a lot of self love and self worth that people will take away when they listen to this collection of songs.

YouTube video

You recently launched the Music Matters campaign with the RIAA. What is the origin story of that?

When I was 10 years old, my appendix ruptured during a hurricane. I was in the hospital for 10 days, which was really hard. The thing that got me through was that every other day we had a music therapist come in. Even though I didn’t want to be in the hospital, I knew that if I stayed another day we would get to play music again. That’s what made that awful experience for me doable.

Music has saved my life multiple times. When everybody else turned their back on me, music was always there. I really wanted to bring that to the next generation. My healing process and my journey to becoming myself was all through music and through writing, so I wanted to bring that concept to people who are healing from things and share the message that music can heal you.

What have you done so far through the program?

I have spoken with Congressman David Cicilline, Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, and we talked about how we can collaborate. We discussed how I can help with equality in country music and how DC can help [represent equality in country music] as well.

Brooke Eden speaking with young women at Girls Inc. as part of Music Matters with the RIAA. Photo: Courtesy of PFA Media

I also recently spoke with some young women in a group called Girls Inc. about women in business and women in music. A lot of them wanted to be songwriters, singers or members of the industry, so it’s really cool to be able to share what it’s like to be in the industry as a woman and how music can really heal and save your life.

[The goal of Music Matters] is an awareness of using music as a healing mechanism. Music is a universal language. It can unite us in a way that nothing else can. For me, the main message is healing, unity, and bringing people together.

Why does music matter so much to you? What role has music played throughout your life?

For me, especially in my 20s, I was figuring out who I am and what this world looks like to me. So much of my journey to who I am, self love and self worth, was through writing and creating music.

There’s been so many times when music has literally saved me from going too dark. It saved me and allowed me to sing what I couldn’t say. Music is that one thing that we can all come together on. Creating music has made me become the best version of myself.

Is there anything you want to say to your fans who are eagerly awaiting Choosing You?

The biggest thing that I would have people take away from this EP is that you are worthy of everything that you want.

With social media and this perception of what everyone else’s life looks like, it’s really important to look inward and understand that you can achieve anything that you want. You’re deserving of love and happiness, and I hope people hear that when they listen to this EP.

2022 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Breakthrough Artist Of The Year

Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 34th MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Breakthrough Artist of the Year category. This category is voted on by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor a Nashville artist who achieved significant career progress for the first time.

The winners of this year’s honors will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 30. Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 29 at 5:00 p.m.

To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.

Priscilla Block made her way onto the scene after creating a fanbase on TikTok. After posting snippets of funny and honest tracks such as “Thick Thighs” and “PMS,” Block had her viral moment with the heartbreak anthem, “Just About Over You.” Fans rallied together to independently fund Block’s recording of the track, and its reception led to industry attention. She soon signed a record deal with Mercury Nashville and released her debut album, Welcome to the Block Party. Block has since surpassed more than 385 million digital streams with tracks such as “Just About Over You,” “Wish You Were the Whiskey,” “I Bet You Wanna Know,” and her current single, “My Bar.” Her charm and wit also allowed her the opportunity to host the red carpet programming at the ACM Awards, where she was nominated for New Female Artist of the Year. Block is also nominated for Breakthrough Artist-Writer at this year’s MusicRow Awards for her qualifying song, “Just About Over You.”

Zach Bryan has impacted the country music industry in a nontraditional but massive way. The Oklahoma native began releasing music as an active-duty member of the U.S. Navy stationed in Washington state. After making an impact with “Heading South” in 2019, his music caught the attention of Yellowstone creators, leading to multiple sync placements in the hit show. After being honorably discharged by the Navy after eight years of service to pursue his career in music, Bryan signed to Warner Records. He released his debut album American Heartbreak to unfathomable acclaim. The massive 34-song project broke the 2022 record for the most-streamed country album in a single day on Spotify and Apple Music. Bryan’s single from American Heartbreak, “Something in the Orange,” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot Country charts and was No. 18 global streaming track overall. The breakthrough star has already surpassed 1 billion global career streams and is only three years past his very first release.

ERNEST has enjoyed massive success as a songwriter in the past few years, having written five No. 1 hits for artists such as Morgan Wallen, Chris Lane, Sam Hunt, Florida Georgia Line, and Kane Brown. After releasing a few EPs and singles as an artist, ERNEST broke through with his George Jones-inspired “Flower Shops” featuring Wallen. The song took off, becoming the most-added single on its add week at country radio and hitting No. 1 on MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout Radio Chart. “Flower Shops,” which is also nominated for Song of the Year this year at the MusicRow Awards, also led to the release of ERNEST’s Big Loud Records debut album Flower Shops (The Album). ERNEST is out building his fanbase on the road with other fan favorites from the album such as “Some Other Bar,” “Tennessee Queen,” and “Feet Wanna Run.”

Ryan Hurd got his start in Nashville as a songwriter, penning Platinum hits and chart toppers for Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Lady A, Tim McGraw, and more. As an artist Hurd has released a series of EPs and singles, including the Platinum-certified “To a T.” His breakthrough as artist was cemented with his debut album from Arista Nashville, Pelago. The 15-track project contained “Chasing After You,” a duet with his wife Maren Morris that hit the top of the charts, was certified Platinum, and secured him his first Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. He’s following it up with his new single “Pass It On,” which was one of the most-added singles at country radio on add week. As a songwriter, Hurd is also up for the Song of the Year title at this year’s MusicRow Awards for Morris’ “Circles Around This Town,” which he co-wrote with her, Jimmy Robbins, and Julia Michaels.

Elvie Shane captured hearts with “My Boy,” a special tribute to his step-son and non-traditional families like his. The track quickly caught fire on TikTok, leading BBR Music Group to sign him to Wheelhouse Records. Now aligned with a label partner, Shane took “My Boy” to No. 1. The now Platinum-certified track was nominated for Song of the Year at last year’s MusicRow Awards. Following the success of “My Boy,” Shane released his debut EP, County Roads, and quickly followed it up with his debut album Backslider. His new single “County Roads,” was one of the most added songs at country radio upon its debut and continues to climb. Shane is also nominated for Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year this year at the MusicRow Awards as a co-writer on “My Boy.”

Lainey Wilson has become an industry favorite in the last year, having been named the Discovery Artist of the Year at the 2021 MusicRow Awards and then New Female Artist of the Year at the 2022 ACM Awards. She brought her signature “Bell Bottom Country” to her studio album Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ in early 2021 via Broken Bow Records. The project spawned her first hit, the tentative “Things A Man Oughta Know.” The tune took off, hitting the top of the charts, being certified Platinum, and winning Song of the Year at the 2022 ACM Awards. In early 2022, Wilson rang the bell at the top of the charts again, this time alongside Cole Swindell for their fiery duet, “Never Say Never.” In June, it was announced that Wilson would join the cast of season five of the hit show Yellowstone. As a co-writer on “Things A Man Oughta Know,” Wilson is also nominated for Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year at the MusicRow Awards this year.

Become A Member To Vote In 2022 MusicRow Awards

If you are not a subscribed member of MusicRow, now is a great time to join.

Only MusicRow members are able to vote in our annual MusicRow Awards and the 2022 ballot period ends this Friday (July 29). New subscribers will be sent a ballot shortly after joining.

The nominees for the 2022 MusicRow Awards can be viewed in the MusicRowNominator.”

A membership can be purchased here and includes the following:
– Six Annual Print Issues (Including the coveted annual InCharge print issue, and the annual Publisher, Artist Roster, MusicRow Awards, Country Radio & Streaming, and Touring/’Next Big Thing’ issues.)
– News Emails (twice daily)
– Breaking News Alerts
– The MusicRow Weekly (containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart)
– Top Songwriter Chart (weekly)
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My Music Row Story: WME’s Kevin Meads

Kevin Meads. Photo: Hunter Berry Photography

The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

As a partner in WME’s Nashville office and a 16-year veteran with the agency, Kevin Meads oversees the daily touring, television, literary, and sponsorship for Brooks & Dunn, Cole Swindell, Chris Lane, Gabby Barrett, Michael Ray, Jon Langston, and others. Meads currently works across WME’s country roster to book large venues in the southeast region. In addition to his work at WME, Meads regularly serves as a mentor to students at Napier Enhanced Option Elementary school and consults on the establishment of various enrichment programs focusing on music and art for the schools.

MusicRow: Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town in northeast Alabama called Ragland. It’s about 1,500 population, one stoplight, a stereotypical small town. The closest landmark that you would probably know is the Talladega Motor Speedway. It’s about 20 minutes down the road.

Kevin Meads performing with Maynard Ferguson

Were you musical at all?

I didn’t come from a musical family at all, but when I was in elementary school, I picked up the trumpet. I didn’t really practice a lot, but my music teacher at the time felt like I had some natural talent with the trumpet, and I loved it. He constantly encouraged me and in the eighth grade, he took me to a concert of a legendary jazz player, Maynard Ferguson, who was playing at my local college. He took me as a way to inspire me and encourage me to practice. Believe it or not, Ragland, Alabama isn’t a big hub for jazz music, so I didn’t know anything about jazz or what I was going to see. Maynard just blew me away with what he did musically. I remember looking over at my music teacher and saying, “When I grew up, I’m want to play with him.” He laughed. Four years later, I ended up getting a scholarship to play trumpet at that college.

Kevin Meads and Snoop Dogg

Is that how you got into the music business?

I encouraged the college to promote another Maynard Ferguson show. They let me be the runner for the concert, and I got to know the tour manager, Ed Sargent, really well. I kept in touch with him and anytime they would play in the area, I would go see them. Fast forward, a few years later, I was still in college, no closer to knowing what I wanted to do in my life.

All I wanted to do was play trumpet with Maynard Ferguson, so I went to another one of his shows and Ed pulled me aside and said, “Hey, would you want to go on the road with us? I have a spot, it’s not to play, but it’s to be Maynard’s personal assistant on the road.” Needless to say, I left school, traded in the books for the tour bus, and went on the road with Maynard and toured the world for four years. I was his personal assistant and got to hang out with him all day and hear the great stories. About a year in, one of the trumpet players in the band left and moved on to another job and Maynard asked me to be in the band. For the next three years I was able to live out my dream and play was with Maynard Ferguson.

The coolest part was one of the last gigs I ever played with him, which was going back to my college where I saw him in the eighth grade perform for the first time. My high school music teacher was in the crowd. At that point, I started thinking, “What’s next?” As a kid, that was the only goal I ever had and I was able to accomplish it. I had to start thinking about what was next.

Kevin Meads, Cole Swindell, Kerri Edwards

What was next?

Growing up, I always loved live music and going to concerts. Being on the road, I was so intrigued with touring and the live show aspect, how shows got booked and why we played certain cities on certain nights. Growing up in a small town, I really didn’t know the music business even existed. I was naturally drawn to touring. At that point, I had to make a decision. I knew I would either move to Nashville, New York or LA. In the back of my mind, I was like, “If I move to Nashville, I’ll be there the rest of my life.” That was my forever goal. I’m not a big New York person, so LA was what I picked. I moved to LA and ended up getting a job at a large artist management company called The Firm with an artist manager named Constance Schwartz. I spent the next couple of years working with Constance and one of her large clients, Snoop Dogg.

I learned so much from that experience. After a couple of years, I realized I was ready to go ahead and make the move to Nashville. I called up Snoop’s agent, Brent Smith, who was at the William Morris Agency at the time. I said, “Hey, do you think you can make a call and get me an interview in Nashville?” He did. That was 17 years ago.

Kevin Meads and Chris Lane

What was the transition like from management to touring?

When I took the job at The Firm, I also had an interview set up with the William Morris Agency in LA, but I took the job at The Firm because I felt having management experience would help me become a better agent in the long run. When I first started at William Morris, I took a job in the mail room. Then I worked with Jay Williams as his assistant for a year and a half, and soon after became an agent.

Who were some of your first big signings as an agent?

Cole Swindell was one of the first artists that I signed. I was booking clubs in the southeast. We had a lot of the same friends and I was hearing about him from everyone. He was selling t-shirts for Luke Bryan, so we knew each other. I called him and said, “Hey, I’ve been hearing about all the stuff you’re writing. I want to hear it.” He had Sony send me a CD. I looked at it the other day and four of the songs on the demo ended up becoming hits.

Jon Langston and Kevin Meads

Who have been some of your mentors over the years?

It would go back to Ed Sargent, who has now worked with Joan Jett for 20 years. He took a chance on me, a kid from a small town that knew nothing about touring, but had a passion for music. I’m not sure if I would have hired myself! (Laughs) Back in those days, jazz artists would tour a lot like rock artists where we would get on a tour bus and be gone for two months. It wasn’t the weekend warrior stuff that so many country artists do. Ed tells a funny story of when I called him before the first tour and said, “Hey man, I was just curious, do I need to bring my own pillow for the tour bus?” (Laughs) As if I were going to a summer camp.

In LA, Constance Schwartz taught me so much about how to treat people with respect, whether it be someone in the mail room, a bus driver, or an A-level client. She also taught me a really valuable lesson that I still use today, which is if you make a mistake, you do three things—you admit it, you fix it and you don’t do it again.

Since I started here in Nashville, definitely Jay Williams, Joey Lee and Greg Oswald. They all have such a unique perspective on the business. Greg, specifically, has a way of looking at big picture things that I may not see. Whether it’s a problem you’re dealing with at work or something you’re dealing with in life, I always feel better after I talk to Greg—which is ironic since I spent the first half of my career being terrified of him. (Laughs)

What are some of your goals now?

The goal has always been happiness. To be able to do what I love with the people I love—artists, coworkers and industry partners. I moved to town not knowing anyone, so this company—WME—became my extended family. My best friends are here. If I’m going to go into battle, these are the people I want to be in the trenches with.

2022 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Discovery Artist Of The Year

Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 34th MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Discovery Artist of the Year category. The award will honor a Nashville developing artist who demonstrates significant talent and potential to rise.

The winners of this year’s honors will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 30. Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 29 at 5:00 p.m.

To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.

Dalton Dover grew up in a small town in Georgia listening to Keith Whitley, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner. Inspired by the honesty in country lyrics, Dover began singing at church and in school talent shows. He soon started performing at local bars and uploading covers on TikTok. His videos caught the attention of producer Matt McV and A&R veteran Jim Catino, who quickly signed Dover. Since then, Dover has released tracks such as “You Got A Small Town,” “Baby I Am,” and “Hear About A Girl” via Catino’s Droptine Recordings, garnering a massive amount of streams. Dover still resides in his small Georgia town with his wife and two kids, but the talented singer continues to earn the gaze of the industry as he releases track after track of country confection.

Tiera Kennedy continues to rise in the industry with her brand of R&B-flavored country. After becoming the flagship writer for Nicolle Galyon’s Songs & Daughters publishing venture with Big Loud and Warner Chappell, Kennedy independently released her self-titled, five-song EP. With tunes such as “Found It In You,” “Shut It Down,” and “Miles” featuring BRELAND, she attracted Big Machine Label Group and was signed to The Valory Music Co. She has since made her Grand Ole Opry debut, become the host of her own Apple Music Country show, and found herself on multiple artist-to-watch lists. After earning more than 16 million streams on her romantic song “Found It In You,” Kennedy tapped Producer of the Year nominee Dann Huff to reinvigorate the track and shipped it to country radio in June.

MacKenzie Porter has already made her mark in the Canadian country market, having earned five No. 1 songs up north. After moving to Nashville in 2014, her hard work began to pay off when, in 2020, she began to release pop-country tracks such as “These Days” and “Seeing Other People” via Big Loud Records. In the spring of 2021, Porter was recruited by country star Dustin Lynch as his duet partner on “Thinking ‘Bout You.” The track became a six-week No. 1, and made history as the longest-running Top 10 single at 27 weeks since the Billboard Country Airplay chart launched in January 1990. As the massive duet was introducing Porter to country radio, the talented singer continued to release tracks to massive streaming appeal, such as her newest single “Pickup.” The tune has already hit No. 1 up north with over 22 million streams across the U.S. and Canada.

Nate Smith has the kind of voice that can make any heard turn. The powerful singer with a unique vocal tone first attracted industry attention with his debut EP Reckless and the popular single “Wildfire,” inspired by a devastating fire that struck his home of Paradise, California and destroyed everything he owned. He followed the success of “Wildfire” with “Sleeve” and “Under My Skin,” which has amassed over 55 million on-demand streams to date. After aligning with Sony Music Nashville in November, Smith shipped the single “Whiskey On You” to country radio and nabbed the second most-added title of the week with 45 first week stations, further proving a hunger for Smith’s music. He also collaborated with label-mate Tenille Townes on the romantic “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven.”

Brittney Spencer first made waves when she posted a cover of The Highwomen song “Crowded Table.” Band members Amanda Shires and Maren Morris reposted the video and then invited her to perform with them. Since then Spencer has become a buzz-worthy figure in the music industry, making her Grand Ole Opry debut in May of 2021 and performing with Mickey Guyton on the CMA Awards by November. While the talented singer has initially made her mark as a performer, she’s also released very well-crafted, meaningful songs, such as “Sober & Skinny,” “Sorrys Don’t Work No More,” and “Compassion.” She’s also grown a robust fan base on the road, having performed with Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and Reba McEntire. Throughout 2022 Spencer will be opening for everyone from Willie Nelson and Brandi Carlile to Maren Morris and Megan Thee Stallion.

Bailey Zimmerman burst onto the scene as a streaming powerhouse. The singer first gained popularity after releasing a gritty acoustic cut of “Never Comin’ Home,” which led to his over 1 million followers on TikTok. After garnering nearly 100 million global streams with more independently released tunes such as “Small Town Crazy” and “Fall In Love,” Zimmerman signed to Warner Music Nashville and Elektra Music Group. In June, Zimmerman’s appeal paired with his new label partners led to another massive release with “Rock and A Hard Place.” The breakup track taps into the country and rock fusion that Zimmerman is becoming known for, and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Streaming Songs and Country Digital Song Sales charts, No. 2 on their Hot Country Songs chart, and No. 24 on their all-genre Hot 100 chart.