Patch Culbertson Named Sr. VP, General Manager Of Big Loud Records

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Patch Culbertson. Photo: Nick Swift

Big Loud Records has announced the promotion of Patch Culbertson to Sr. Vice President, General Manager, effective immediately.

Culbertson first joined Big Loud Records as VP of A&R in 2017. In his newly-created role, he will oversee day-to-day operations, commercial tactics, and creative development for the Big Loud Records roster, which includes Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Chris Lane, Hardy, MacKenzie Porter, Larry Fleet, Lily Rose, Sean Stemaly, Hailey Whitters, and more.

“Craig [Wiseman], Joey [Moi], and I couldn’t be happier to continue our working relationship with Patch Culbertson,” says Seth England, Partner/CEO of Big Loud. “Patch has been with the Partners since the beginning of Big Loud Records and has helped build the label into what it is today. We want to thank him for his years of service, and to the many more to come.”

“The trajectory of this groundbreaking label has stayed true to its namesake. How? Great songs, great artists, and a world-class team,” shares Culbertson. “I am grateful every day to support the endeavors of our artists with colleagues who are simply the best in the business. Thank you Seth [England], Joey [Moi], Craig [Wiseman], and Austen [Adams] for this opportunity.”

Prior to his time at Big Loud, Culbertson spent eight years at Republic Records, most recently serving as Director of A&R in their New York headquarters. His track record includes the signing and development of acts including Aminé, Florida Georgia Line (via Republic Nashville), SoMo, and The Naked and Famous. In addition, he spearheaded releases from Colbie Caillat, Florence + The Machine, Mat Kearney, and The Lonely Island, and more, as well as a number of soundtracks such as Ted, Jersey Shore, Safe Haven, and Snow White and the Huntsman.

UTA Adds Six To Ever-Growing Nashville Headquarters

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Pictured (L-R): Brandi Brammer, Amy Lynch, Emily LaRose, Emily Wright, Marissa Smith, Elisa Vazzana. Photo: Austin Lord

UTA has announced six new additions to their expanding Nashville headquarters. Emily LaRose, Marissa Smith, and Elisa Vazzana join as Music Agents; Amy Lynch joins the Comedy Touring division as an Agent; Brandi Brammer will serve as Senior HR Business Partner; and Emily Wright serves as a Music Brand Partnerships Agent.

The additions come as another sign of growth for the agency’s Nashville presence, following the recent hiring announcements of Nashville-based Scott Clayton as Co-Head of Global Music, Matthew Morgan as Co-Head of UTA Nashville, and Buster Phillips as a Rock Agent.

“We are honored to welcome this powerhouse group of industry professionals into our Music City headquarters,” says David Zedeck, Partner and Co-Head of Global Music. “The collective breadth and scope of our new colleagues will be a tremendous addition as we continue to expand our footprint in Nashville and beyond.”

LaRose joins the agency with close to 10 years’ experience working across multiple genres. She has worked with artists such as Sasha Alex Sloan, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, The Main Squeeze, Nightly, Leah Kate, Payday, somegirlnamedanna, Henry Jamison, Charli Adams, and Caroline Jones, among others. LaRose comes to UTA from WME and previously worked at CAA and APA.

Smith has worked with clients such as JP Saxe, GAYLE, JVKE, John Harvie, and Daniel Blume. She began her career at WME, where outside of her work in North America touring, she helped build and lead WME’s first Virtual Appearance Department, booking hundreds of virtual concerts for artists such as Kehlani, Charlie Puth, Culture Club, Lindsey Stirling, Sabrina Claudio, and more. Smith has also been very involved in non-profit work.

Vazzana joins UTA as a Music Agent in the country fair and festival space. Most recently she worked at CAA for over 14 years where she represented Runaway June, Carly Pearce, Home Free, and Walker Hayes, among others. Vazzana founded the Nashville chapter of Rhythm of Hope, a partnership between The Lollipop Foundation and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

Lynch joins UTA from WME as an agent in the Comedy Touring division. She has worked on tours for some of the industry’s top talent including Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer, amongst many others and most recently comedic sensation Leanne Morgan.

Brammer comes to UTA with over 20 years’ experience in the entertainment industry. She most recently served as VP, Human Resources at WME, where she oversaw HR for the global music division. Prior to that Brammer spent time at CAA, where she helped grow the CAA Nashville office from 38 employees to over 120.

Wright recently joined UTA as an Agent in the Music Brand Partnerships division. Previously, she worked at CAA in the music brand partnerships department for nearly 10 years where she developed unique and innovative partnerships between music artists and brands. Wright has closed deals for a variety of artists including Cardi B, Becky G, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Kehlani, Brittney Spencer, Midland, Jimmie Allen, Clay Walker and Clint Black and many more.

Lineup Revealed For CRS 2022 New Faces of Country Music Show

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Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced the lineup for the CRS 2022 New Faces of Country Music Show. The artists selected include Gabby Barrett, Walker Hayes, Parker McCollum, Jameson Rodgers, and Lainey Wilson.

These five artists will close out Country Radio Seminar (CRS) at the New Faces show on Friday, Feb. 25 at Omni Nashville Hotel. CRS will be held Wednesday, Feb. 23 through Feb. 25, 2022, and registration is open now.

Established in 1970, the annual New Faces of Country Music Show is one of the most anticipated events at CRS. Five emerging artists who have achieved significant success at Country Radio during the qualification period are selected each year to perform.

“There were no bad options in this year’s New Faces election slate, so it’s not a surprise the final lineup is stellar,” says CRB New Faces Committee Chairman, Chuck Aly. “The only thing more exciting than what these artists bring to this year’s show is that we’ll all get to experience it in person!”

Bill Anderson Looks Back On His 7-Decade Career, Celebrates CMHoF Exhibit [Interview]

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Bill Anderson at the opening celebration for Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Thursday night the great Whispering Bill Anderson was celebrated at the opening of his new Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Exhibit. Titled As Far As I Can See, the exhibit features memorabilia including Anderson’s stage-wear, lyric sheets, awards, and many other unique pieces. It opens to the public today (Dec. 3) and runs through March 19, 2023.

Artists and industry members came out in droves—and braved a Predators game crowd that swarmed Demonbreun—to show their love and support to the ever-so-lovable Bill Anderson. Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, spoke about Anderson’s career and his value to the country music industry, not just because of his longevity, but because of the gift of his songs.

Pictured (L-R): Scott Adkins, Lee Willard, Jon Randall, Trisha Yearwood, Bill Anderson, Carly Pearce. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Some of Nashville’s world-class singers were on hand to tribute Anderson. Trisha Yearwood did an awesome cover of Connie Smith‘s “Once A Day,” the tune Anderson wrote that launched Smith’s career. Anderson also helped Smith—now both members of the CMHOF—land her first recording contract. Vince Gill sang “Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn),” a song Gill wrote with Anderson and recorded.

Jon Randall and Carly Pearce did a beautiful take on “Whiskey Lullaby.” Randall, Anderson’s co-writer on the iconic tune, was honored to perform it for his collaborator.

Anderson was emotional and well-spoken when he took the stage. He thanked what seemed like an endless group of people, careful not to leave anyone out.

“I’ve heard all my life that at some point just before a person dies, their life passes in front of their eyes,” Anderson said. “Somebody better check my pulse because a couple hours ago when I laid eyes on my exhibit for the first time, I felt like my life—or at least the very best part of it—was passing right before my eyes.

“To see 60-plus years come alive again in this incredible display truly took my breath away. The title of this exhibit As Fas As I Can See, but in all honesty, I never saw this far.”

A few weeks back, Anderson sat down with MusicRow in preparation for the exhibit opening, to talk about the last 60 years and some of his favorite memories.

MusicRow: When did you decide you wanted to be a country music singer?

I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I’ve just postponed growing up. It all just kind of happened, really and truly. There were three things in my life growing up that I loved: I loved country music, I loved sports—particularly baseball—and I loved to write.

I would have been happy doing any sort of combination that involved any one of those three. But when I wrote “City Lights” and it hit, the path was defined for me.

Your recording of “City Lights” hit while you were still in college at the University of Georgia. Then it became a hit with Ray Price. How did you manage that?

I wrote the song in Commerce, Georgia on top of the little hotel where I was living. They were building a TV studio in Athens, which is now a Georgia Public Television educational station, but they didn’t have the studio finished. They had the audio in, but they didn’t have the video components. A friend of mine who was a disc jockey on a station in Athens said, “Hey, we can get in that studio. They want somebody to come in there and test the equipment.” So we went to this studio, which is still there, and recorded two songs.

The songs weren’t published or anything but I sent out the tape. A man down in Texas named Bob Tanner at a little record label called TMT Records and Publishing Company wrote me back and said, “Hey, you never know where the next hit is coming from!” The next thing I knew, he published the songs and put out my record and my record got to Nashville.

I sent [“City Lights”] to reporter Charlie Lamb to be reviewed in the Music Reporter. He liked it so much he took it to Chet Atkins over at RCA. Chet was producing an artist at that time named Dave Rich on RCA, and Chet recorded “City Lights” with him.

Ernest Tubb and Ray Price were riding to the golf course one day when Dave Rich’s record came on the radio. Ernest Tubb said, “Son, you ought to record that song,” to which Ray said, “I’ve already got my next record cut.” I heard all this later on of course, but all the way around the golf course Ernest Tubb kept telling Ray, “You need to record that ‘City Lights’ song.” I’ve often wondered if Ray recorded it because he liked it or just to shut Ernest up. But you talk about things just falling into place, it’s amazing looking back on it now and how it all happened.

Wow. How soon after that did you move to Nashville?

I graduated at 11 o’clock in the morning and I was headed to Nashville at 2. My car was packed and I was on the road.

After you arrived, the hits kept coming. You signed with Decca in 1958, and started having more hits with “That’s What It’s Like to Be Lonesome,” “The Tip of My Fingers” and “Po’ Folks.” You were invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1961. When did it feel like you had “made it”?

When they told me they were going to open up an exhibit at the Hall of Fame. I started suspecting it about that time.

I don’t know if I ever did really. [Maybe when] “Still” hit. “Still” was so big, it was one of those monster crossover records. I just never relaxed and said, “Okay, I’ve made it. Here’s what I was working for.” There was always the next challenge, that next hill to climb. It’s funny, I’ve talked about this with other artists in the business, you can’t enjoy having a No. 1 record because you’re worried about what you’re going to follow it up with.

I never got to the point where I relaxed, but I really didn’t want to though. I was just so enamored and caught up in it all. I just kept wanting to open door No. 2 and door No. 3, and see what was behind there. I found some interesting things behind some of those doors.

Bill Anderson at the opening celebration for Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

As a songwriter, you have placed songs on the country charts in seven consecutive decades, writing hits such as “Still,” “Once A Day,” “Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn),” “Whiskey Lullaby,” and “Give It Away.” What is the secret to longevity as a country songwriter?

Well, you have to live a long time.

Staying aware of the world around you. That’s how you stay relevant and by staying relevant, you’re able to continue and hopefully change with the times. Adapt and keep an open mind about everything. I have writer friends that say, “The music is different, it’s changed. I don’t want to try to write anymore.” I had that attitude for a short while in the ’80s when I took off and started doing game shows and soap operas and crazy things. But I never quit feeling that the next song that I was going to write was going to be the best one. I just never quit that. I never felt like the fire in my belly went out, it just kept burning.

And I surrounded myself with young people, particularly when I started co-writing in the ’90s. I was writing with Brad Paisley virtually before anybody knew who he was. I was writing with the Vince Gill‘s and the Jon Randall‘s and so many of these people that were younger than me. And I was like a sponge—I was soaking up what I could learn from them. At the same time, I think they were learning a few things from me about how it used to be done.

What business advice would you give to younger songwriters?

I know this isn’t always possible, and I know there are advantages to getting the better deal and moving around, but I’m going to tell you what, from where I am right now with my perspective on the business and on life, I am so glad that I’m not having to go all over the world trying to round up my songs. I know where my songs are. My songs are at Sony and Round Hill Music. I don’t really have but two places to go, and I’ve bought some of my songs back. I would advise people, if you’ve got a good situation with a good publisher, try to hang in there with it because there’s a lot of advantage.

You’ve won so many awards and been honored by all the major country music and songwriting institutions. You’re a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry. Now you have your very own Hall of Fame exhibit. What moments in your career have meant the most to you?

In [chronological] order, being asked to join the Grand Ole Opry is No. 1. Then having a big crossover record like “Still” was amazing. But the top rung on the ladder is [being inducted into] the Hall of Fame. That’s something that you don’t even dare to think about. Lord knows I didn’t.

That was just something that happened to somebody else. That kind of thing wasn’t going to happen to Bill Anderson from Commerce, Georgia. I thought they were lying when they called me and told me.

How does all of this feel, looking back?

This all feels very special to me because I’ve loved country music all my life. I grew up from a very early age listening to it and following it. To think that I’ve made a career out of it and people are going to come and look at some of the things that I did along the way… It’s pretty heavy. It’s extremely special.

Kane Brown Claims No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Kane Brown has earned his second MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart No. 1 of the year for “One Mississippi.” This follows his duet with Chris Young, “Famous Friends” which hit No. 1 in May. The single was written by Brown, Jesse Frasure, Levon Gray, and Ernest K. Smith.

Brown has earned several honors this year including ACM Video of the Year for “Worldwide Beautiful,” surpassing 2 billion streams on Pandora, and an NMPA Platinum Anthem for being the most listened to song in the past year for “Be Like That,” which features Swae Lee & Khalid.

Brown is currently on the Blessed & Free Tour with Jordan Davis and Restless Road. 

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Stapleton Sings With Adele & Taylor Swift

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Chris Stapleton

As the year winds down, country steps into the national spotlight.

The genre’s stars seem to be everywhere on TV specials and at media events these days. Which is the perfect time to be releasing headline-making new music.

Stepping up the the plate today are Alan Jackson, Old Dominion, Walker Hayes, Kameron Marlowe and Taylor Swift, all with superb fresh sounds. The Disc of the Day goes to Adele with our own Chris Stapleton, adding more than a little to the pop superstar’s performance.

I don’t know much about her, but the DISCovery Award winner is Madeline Edwards.

AMERICAN BLONDE / “Quicksand”
Writers: Jimmy Nash/Natalia Morris; Producer: Cliff Downs; Label: AB
– The Mississippi-bred Morris sisters are feisty and fierce on this downbeat rocker about a dissolving relationship. The tune is rather repetitive, but there’s plenty of energy and attitude.

ADELE & CHRIS STAPLETON / “Easy On Me”
Writers: Adele Adkins/Greg Kurstin; Producer: Greg Kurstin; Label: Columbia
– The simple piano-and-rhythm accompaniment stays in the background to let both voices shine in the spotlight on this stunning ballad. The harmony performance by Stapleton is exquisite. Supple, soulful and powerful. There are few vocalists who can stand toe-to-with Adele, but this mighty man can. And does.

DALLAS SMITH / “Hide From a Broken Heart”
Writers: Mark Holman/Lauren LaRue/Ernest Keith Smith/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– Smith was just named Canada’s country Entertainer of the Year for the third consecutive time. Judging by his current single, I can’t explain it. The formulaic song, jumbled production and generic vocal performance went in one ear and out the other.

WALKER HAYES / “AA”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Shane McAnally/Luke Laird; Producer: Joe Thibodeaux/Shane McAnally/Scott Johnson; Label: Monument Records
– Hardly anything in the lyric rhymes. The track is a looped groove. He doesn’t really sing. But you know what? As was the case with “Fancy Like,” this guy taps directly into a blue-collar mindset that is absolutely the Truth. He’s just trying to get along like an ordinary fella, resisting the lure of alcohol while raising his kids, making a living and loving his wife. I hear ya, bro.

MADELINE EDWARDS / “Best Revenge”
Writers: Joy Lippard Hanna/Klare Essad/Madeline Edwards; Producer: Gena Johnson; Label: ME
– She was the “unknown” in the vocal trio on the CMA Awards with Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer. Her sultry, midtempo single reveals a husky, throaty vocalist with a tremendous intimacy that communicates really well. The song is cool, too: “The best revenge is moving on.”

OLD DOMINION / “No Hard Feelings”
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers/Geoff Sprung/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally; Producer: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally; Label: Arista
– Ridiculously catchy and utterly irresistible. If the rump-shaking rhythm doesn’t get you, the jaunty, melodic singing will. Galloping talent from the Vocal Group of the Year.

COLE SWINDELL & LAINEY WILSON / “Never Say Never”
Writers: Cole Swindell/Jessi Alexander/Chase McGill; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner
– Both singers are coming off huge hits (”Single Saturday Night” and “Things a Man Oughta Know,” respectively). This choppy, bombastic, loud effort doesn’t measure up to either of its predecessors. It also has one of those irritating, shrieking rock guitar solos. Pass.

HAILEY WHITTERS / “Heartland”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Nicolle Galyon/Forest Whitehead; Producer: Jake Gear/Hailey Whitters; Label: Big Loud
– This troubadour has proved herself as a major talent over and over again. Her current tune is a winning meditation on life and love. As always, she is delightfully melodic and endearingly sincere. She has just landed a Song of the Year Grammy nomination as a co-writer on “A Beautiful Noise” (sung by Alicia Keys & Brandi Carlile). There are eight (!) writers credited on the song, so you know somebody is getting a free ride. I’m guessing it’s not her.

ALAN JACKSON / “Racing the Dark”
Writers: Alan Jackson/Mattie Jackson Selecman; Producer: Keith Stegall; Label: ACR/EMI
– Daughter Mattie wrote the lyrics, and daddy Alan put them to music and then recorded this extraordinary, beautifully country, vocal performance. It’s mini-masterpiece about healing, which is something Mattie has learned about following the tragic death of her husband. She also has an inspirational book exploring grief and God, titled Lemons on Friday.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Steady Heart”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe/Jessi Alexander/Dan Isbell; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia
– OMG, how romantic is this? His soulful singing has always pierced my heart, but never more so than on this terrifically warm, tender paean to True Love. A song to make you dreamy, soft, grateful and swoony.

TAYLOR SWIFT & CHRIS STAPLETON / “I Bet You Think About Me”
Writers: Taylor Swift/Lori McKenna; Producer: Aaron Dessner/Taylor Swift; Label: Republic/MCA
– She’s the working-class gal who married the upper-crust dude, and it didn’t work out. Like, spectacularly wrong. So she wrote a song excoriating him (surprise). The hilarious video (directed by Blake Lively) is a fantastic mini movie. The previously unreleased song dates from her country-music days, and the addition of Stapleton’s harmony voice underscores the point.

CALLISTA CLARK / “Real To Me”
Writers: Callista Clark/Cameron Jaymes/Laura Veltz; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Big Machine
– She sings so well. She’s only 18, and this soul-pop stomp points the way toward something more promising than her current radio tune.

Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson Join Forces On Fiery Duet, ‘Never Say Never’ [Interview]

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Grammy-nominated entertainer Cole Swindell and fast-rising, country songstress Lainey Wilson recently released their fiery new duet, “Never Say Never” via Warner Music Nashville.

For Swindell, the track is his 12th career single following his back-to-back No. 1 hits “Love You Too Late” and “Single Saturday Night.” Meanwhile, Wilson, who won the 2021 MusicRow Discovery Artist of the Year award, is coming off her Gold-certified, No. 1 debut single “Things A Man Oughta Know.”

Swindell co-wrote “Never Say Never” with Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill in 2018. The Zach Crowell-produced track blends Swindell and Wilson’s signature sounds, offering a perfect mixture of country twang and relatability with rocking guitar licks and powerful concert-ready production. The hard-hitting back and forth dialog finds the duo admitting that sometimes you just can’t walk away, even when you know you should.

“I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been in this situation at some point in time,” Wilson says. “I was telling Cole the other day, it’s like that piece of chocolate cake that you know you shouldn’t have but you take it anyway. We’ve all been there, so we can all relate even if you’ve never been in a relationship in your life.” She continues, “It’s hard sometimes to have a rocking song that’s also passionate, and I think this song does that. It makes you feel all the things. It makes you wanna say ‘Hell yeah!’ and it makes you want to kiss somebody.”

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Though the two artists have been long-time fans of each other, “Never Say Never” is their first collaboration. It is also Swindell’s first true duet from his seven year career.

“I wrote [the song] with two of our really good friends, Chase McGill and Jessi Alexander. I was in [Lainey’s] hometown in Louisiana playing the last show of the year a couple of years ago, and we wrote this song that weekend. We knew it was special and we could tell it was going to be a rocking song with a lot of energy, but the way we wrote it we knew it had to be a duet,” Swindell says. “We were trying to find the right person that could sing it and make it feel like it needed to. I’ve been a big fan of [Lainey’s] music, so when she popped into my head [we knew that she was it].”

“I take a whole lot of pride in my own songwriting and my own art. People pitch me things and I am a stickler, I’m not going to lie. It’s got to hit me right [in the heart]. It’s gotta make me feel something and it’s gotta make me feel like I wrote it,” Wilson explains. “I listened to the first verse and the chorus and I was like ‘Holy moly! This song is special and it made me feel something.’ I’ve been a fan of his for the longest time and look up to him as a songwriter, entertainer, and artist so I couldn’t say yes quick enough.”

Throughout his career, Swindell has racked up 10 No. 1 singles, multiple Gold and Platinum singles and albums, and nearly 4.5 billion career streams. However, upon its release to country radio, “Never Say Never” earned 91 first-day adds at Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase, making it Swindell’s biggest add day so far in his career.

With “Never Say Never” now out into the world and gaining traction, Swindell and Wilson have many plans in the works and dreams for the project, including a cinematic, attention-grabbing music video and hopes of a 2022 award show performance.

“Never Say Never” is available everywhere now.

Jeff Krones Promoted To Co-Head Of CAA’s Nashville Music Office

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Jeff Krones

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) has announced that veteran agent Jeff Krones has been promoted to Co-Head of CAA Nashville Music.

Krones works with some of CAA’s high-profile clients such as Dan + Shay, Twenty One Pilots, Brett Young, Needtobreathe, and NF, among many others. He has helped build out the agency’s broader country music roster, in addition to other areas. He joins Nashville Music Co-Heads Marc Dennis, Brian Manning, and Darin Murphy in his new role.

Krones began his career as an intern at CAA in 2004 and was promoted to Agent in 2007. He was elected to the Board of the Academy of Country Music in 2017, and has been featured in many distinguished lists from Pollstar and Billboard. Krones lended his expertise in a story about his client Dan + Shay’s return to the road for MusicRow‘s recently released Touring & Next Big Thing Issue.

“I’m honored to join my fellow Co-Heads in helping to build on our success in Nashville. As a team, we’re passionate about discovering, developing, and serving a wide range of artists that touch many different genres and cultures,” says Krones. “I’m fortunate to have spent my entire career at CAA, surrounded by the best agents, and I’m excited by the opportunity to help shape our future.”

Additionally, CAA announced that Bruno Del Granado has been promoted to Head of the agency’s global Latin Music touring group. Based in Miami, Del Granado joined the agency in 2013 from RM Entertainment Group, which he formed in partnership with Ricky Martin. Previously, he founded Entertainment Media Factory, Inc. a music, television, and film production and programming company specializing in content for Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

“Today’s appointments of two superbly talented new leaders attest to the tremendous momentum CAA is experiencing across our touring business,” shares CAA’s Head of Music, Rob Light. “Jeff and Bruno’s individual instincts, taste, and experience have made them world-class agents, and we look forward to them expanding their impact for clients and CAA in their new leadership roles.”

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

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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.

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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

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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.