SESAC Celebrates Community & Creativity At 2024 Nashville Music Awards

/by

Pictured (L-R): Sam Kling, Scott Jungmichel, Jaron Boyer, Shannan Hatch, ET Brown and Lydia Cahill pose as Boyer accepts the Songwriter of the Year award at the 2024 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC

It’s officially Awards Week in Music City. First on the agenda was the 2024 SESAC Nashville Music Awards, thrown at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Sunday night (Nov. 17).

More than 400 songwriters and publishers socialized in the Museum’s beautiful event hall, which overlooks the Nashville skyline. The performing rights organization spared no expense decorating the space, arranging moody purple lighting and a gorgeous stage area with the SESAC logo prominently displayed. Guitar art by Nashville artist Rob Hendon decorated the hall, and elegant florals punctuated the room.

Megan Moroney poses at 2024 SESAC Nashville Awards. Photo: Katie Kauss

In addition to the red carpet, there was a fun, collage-style photo booth for attendees to enjoy. It had clippings of SESAC affiliates’ hits of the past year, lyrics and photos. To snack on were offerings of Philly cheesesteak bites, tater tos, cheddar rolls, sandwich sliders, a roast-flavored dish with vegetables and mashed potatoes, a mac and cheese stand, fresh charcuterie and more, and the drinks were flowing. It was a celebration to get the week started.

SESAC Chief Creative Officer Sam Kling welcomed the crowd, sharing the company’s gratitude for their affiliates. He then turned it over to SVP, Head of Nashville Creative Shannan Hatch to host the evening. Hatch recognized some of the accomplishments that SESAC affiliates had achieved over the past year, such as Victoria Shaw going into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and various songwriters being nominated for ACM, CMA and other awards.

Senior Director of Creative Services, ET Brown, appeared to recognize winners in the Americana genre, including Sierra Ferrell, Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist, Rachael Price, Seth Avett, Scott Avett and Bob Crawford.

Soon after, Brown’s fellow Senior Director of Creative Services Lydia Cahill joined them on stage to start presenting the country awards to the PRO’s top performers. Each songwriter and publisher announced joined the executives on stage while their song played over the speakers and their peers hooped and hollered for them. The songs that were awarded are listed below.

Megan Moroney served as one of the night’s performers, enchanting the crowd with her new single “Am I Okay?” She was also the recipient of the SESAC Spotlight Award in recognition of her recent achievements, including critical acclaim of her latest album, a new headlining tour to begin in 2025, three CMA Award nominations and more.

“A lot of dreams have come true the past few years, and I’ve gotten to do some fun and exciting things, but there’s nothing more fulfilling than writing songs,” Moroney said. “I love songwriting so much and I love my songwriting friends. It fills my soul.”

Song of the Year co-writers Jared Keim, Warren Zeiders and Ryan Beaver pose at 2024 SESAC Nashville Awards. Photo: Katie Kauss

Warren Zeiders performed his smash hit “Pretty Little Poison” alongside co-writers Jared Keim and Ryan Beaver. The song was then named SESAC’s Song of the Year.

The SESAC Songwriter of the Year went to Jaron Boyer, who co-wrote hits “Let Your Boys Be Country” recorded by Jason Aldean and “Mind On You” performed by George Birge. To honor this achievement, Gibson created a custom guitar, and Jostens provided a one-of-a-kind ring for Boyer.

“I almost retired from songwriting a couple years ago and some good friends helped me not quit,” Boyer said, naming some peers and publishers that helped him along the way. “I first need to thank Jesus Christ. None of us would be here if it wasn’t for him.”

Warner Chappell Music took home the title of Publisher of the Year, after winning multiple awards throughout the night.

Full List of Honorees:

“Pretty Little Poison”
Written by Jared Keim
Published by Warner Chappell Music, Twelve6 Sequoia
Recorded by Warren Zeiders

“We Don’t Fight Anymore”
Written by Pete Good
Published by Warner Chappell Music, King Pen Songs, SMACKWORKS Music
Recorded by Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton

“Mind On You”
Written by Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler
Published by Marlowe Sinclaire Songs, MTNoize, peertunes LTD, Melodies of CTM Outlander
Recorded by George Birge

“Tucson Too Late”
Written by Josh Jenkins
Published by Follow Me Where I Go, SMACKWORKS Music
Recorded by Jordan Davis

“Let Your Boys Be Country”
Written by Allison Veltz Cruz, Jaron Boyer
Published by Allison Veltz Sensations, Marlowe Sinclaire Songs, Hipgnosis Tunes, peertunes LTD, Songs of Porterfied Music
Recorded by Jason Aldean

“Love You Again”
Written by Casey Brown
Published by Track & Feels, Warner Chappell Music, Tape Room Tunes
Recorded by Chase Matthew

“Creek Will Rise”
Written by Chris LaCorte
Published by Card Tables Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits
Recorded by Conner Smith

“I’m Not Pretty”
Written by Megan Moroney
Published by Georgiamo, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by Megan Moroney

“Indifferent”
Written by Megan Moroney
Published by Georgiamo, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by Megan Moroney

“Can’t Have Mine”
Written by Matt Alderman
Published by Aldysongs, Curb Congregation Songs
Recorded by Dylan Scott

“Glory Days”
Written by Seth Mosley
Published by M & M College Fund, Sony Music Publishing
Recorded by Gabby Barrett

“Wine Into Whiskey”
Written by Justin Ebach
Published El Chapo Music
Recorded by Tucker Wetmore

“Heartless Year”
Written by Ed Jurdi, Gordy Quist
Published by Three Pisces Music, Vitrolacaster Music
Recorded by The Band of Heathens

“Fox Hunt”
Written by Sierra Ferrell
Published by Abel Elba, Pulse Worldwide
Recorded by Sierra Ferrell

“Good Together”
Written by Rachael Price
Published Warner Chappell Music, 17 Lake Street Music
Recorded by Lake Street Dive

“Love Of A Girl”
Written by Seth Avett, Scott Avett, Bob Crawford
Published by First Big Snow Publishing, NemoIVMusic, Truth Comes True Publishing, Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by The Avett Brothers

“American Dreaming”
Written by Sierra Ferrell
Published by Abel Elba, Pulse Worldwide
Recorded by Sierra Ferrell

“Orion’s Belt”
Written by Seth Avett, Scott Avett, Bob Crawford
Published by First Big Snow Publishing, NemoIVMusic, Truth Comes True Publishing, Ramseur Family Fold Music
Recorded by The Avett Brothers

IEBA Executive Director, Pam Matthews, To Retire

/by

Pam Matthews. Photo: Courtesy of IEBA

Pam Matthews, Executive Director of IEBA, will retire in early 2025 after 45 years in the music industry.

Since 2013, Matthews has been at the helm of IEBA, the premier nonprofit trade organization for live entertainment professionals involved in buying, booking and selling talent. IEBA hosts an annual conference in Nashville, fostering connections among industry members. In 2017, the organization launched its Educational Outreach Fund, providing up to 50 scholarships annually to students enrolled in music business programs across North America.

“Pam Matthews has been a transformative leader, guiding IEBA through unprecedented growth and setting a standard for industry trade organizations,” says IEBA’s Immediate Past Chairman Eric Bresler. “These growth years are part of her legacy, and she should be enormously proud of that. We look forward to building on the strong base she and her team have built for IEBA’s future.”

“Congratulations, Pam, on your successful tenure as Executive Director of IEBA. Your undeniable history of success and dedication has inspired many and has left an indelible mark on our industry,” adds Barry Jeffrey, President of IEBA Educational Outreach Fund board. “As you embark on this new chapter of retirement, may it be filled with joy, adventure, and the fulfillment of all your dreams. Here’s to new beginnings!”

“Thank you to Eric, Barry and IEBA’s board of directors for their leadership and support throughout my time with the organization,” Matthews shares. “The IEBA staff and our board are some of the finest folks I’ve had the privilege of working with over my many years in this business.”

Matthews began her career as a teenager, working in the box office at Mid-South Coliseum and as a runner for Mid-South Concerts. In the ’80s, she spent time on the accounting teams for KISS and Ozzy Osbourne.

Matthews was part of the Pace Concerts team that designed, constructed and managed Starwood Amphitheatre, where she spent four seasons. She then went on to spend 12 years with The Judds and Wynonna, serving her last years as Vice President/Treasurer of their corporations. Her work with the two includes five Grammy wins, their 1991 farewell tour, the launch of Wynonna’s solo career and their 1999/2000 reunion tour.

In 2000, Gaylord Entertainment appointed Matthews as General Manager of the historic Ryman Auditorium. During her eight-year tenure, the venue received its National Historic Landmark status and became one of the top-grossing theaters in the world.

Commonly included on top industry executive lists, Matthews has served on the board of directors of Nashville Downtown Partnership, Opry Trust Fund, Americana Music Association, Music City Music Council and Leadership Music, where she is in her 21st year as a member of the Live Music Day committee.

IEBA’s Executive Committee will begin the search for Matthews’s replacement immediately. Please direct all inquiries to info@ieba.org.

BREAKING: Taylor Lindsey Promoted To Sony Music Nashville Chairman/CEO

/by

Taylor Lindsey. Photo: Emily Dorio

Taylor Lindsey has been promoted to Chairman/CEO of Sony Music Nashville, beginning in January. She steps into the role that Randy Goodman will exit at the end of the year to retire. Ken Robold has also been elevated to President and COO of Sony Music Nashville.

Lindsey will oversee Sony Music Nashville as well as Christian music company Provident Entertainment. She will report to Chairman of Sony Music Group, Rob Stringer.

“I’m very grateful to step into this role,” Lindsey says. “Along with Ken and the incredible SMN team, we are committed to fostering collaboration with our artists, creators and fans, and will create a vibrant community that not only honors our rich heritage in storytelling but also redefines the sound of country music for generations.”

Lindsey rises from her most recent position as Sr. Vice President of A&R, where she has worked closely with Old Dominion, Maren Morris, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney and more. Prior to joining the label in 2013, Lindsey spent time in A&R at BMG Publishing. She has been featured on Billboard’s Women in Music and Country Power Players lists and was part of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row Class of 2024 and Leadership Music Class of 2019.

“I am very excited that we can promote a creative talent from within the company to this top position,” shares Stringer. “I have witnessed Taylor become an all-round executive from an A&R background and she is ideally suited to plot the future for our Nashville team in a chapter where country music is clearly evolving and thriving as a key musical genre. I am also so pleased that simultaneously to Taylor’s appointment Ken will be in an important wider role helping her build a new era for Sony Music Nashville.”

Robold joined Sony Music Nashville in 2015 after a stint as President of Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Artists and 22 years at Universal Music Group. He is a past Chairman of the ACM Board of Directors and President of the Board of Directors for Leadership Music and currently holds board positions for the CMA and RIAA.

Now, all major labels in Nashville have female leadership, with Cindy Mabe helming UMG Nashville and Cris Lacy present as the Co-Chair/Co-President of Warner Music Nashville.

Langley & Green Notch A Third Week At No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart

/by

Ella Langley notches a third week at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with her song “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green.

The track is a part of her debut studio album Hungover and was written by Langley, Green and Aaron Raitiere.

Langley and Green were recently added to the 58th CMA Awards lineup and are set to perform their nominated duet. Other performers added include Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Brooks & Dunn, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Noah Kahan, Megan Moroney and Bailey Zimmerman. They all join previously-announced performers Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Sierra Hull, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Ashley McBryde, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Teddy Swims, Thomas Rhett, Molly Tuttle and Lainey Wilson.

“You Look Like You Love Me” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lonestar ‘Try’ & Succeed On P!nk Cover

/by

Lonestar. Photo: Michael Gomez

The country artists are rocking out in this edition of DISClaimer.

Offering uptempo fare are Luke Grimes, Mike Parker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jenna Paulette and Neon Union. Even so, the most affecting performances are on the ballads by Carter Faith and Jamey Johnson.

And the best produced tunes are the midtempo outings by Disc of the Day winners Lonestar and DISCovery Award winner Grace Bowers.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “That’s The Way Mama Made It”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/David Lee Murphy; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lightning Rod Records
– Set to a Bo Diddley beat, this lively bopper features the group’s new member Ben James on lead vocal. Crisply produced and delivered with panache.

MIKE PARKER / “Doesn’t Kill Ya”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Michael Parker; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Mailbox Money Records
– He’s drowning his heartbreak in whiskey while a sprightly dance rhythm keeps the mood rollicking and upbeat. Parker is joined by a pair of comely dancers in the video. The Black country stylist competed on American Idol in 2022.

LUKE GRIMES / “Black Powder”
Writers: Brian Allen/Chris Powell/Dave Cobb/Luke Grimes; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– The reboot of TV’s Yellowstone launched this week and Grimes continues to be a key character. Meanwhile, he continues his quest for country stardom. He performed this on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday (Nov. 12), the day after kicking off his new tour. It’s a sexy country rocker that he gives plenty of vocal punch. Grimes is booked to play the Ryman tonight and will debut on the Grand Ole Opry tomorrow evening (Nov. 15).

JENNA PAULETTE / “Run The Damn Ball”
Writers: Casey Beathard/Hunter Phelps/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– Paulette continues her winning ways with this feisty romp using football lingo as a metaphor for down-to-earth living. This lady is a solid country singer with personality and twang to spare. In my book, that makes her worthy of stardom.

GRACE BOWERS / “Going To California”
Writers: Jimmy Page/Robert Plant; Producer: John Osborne; Label: GB
– Bowers is an 18-year-old guitar wunderkind who is produced by Brothers Osborne’s equally gifted guitar slinger John Osborne. The song is her reworking of a Led Zeppelin number from 1971 that appeared on the group’s fourth album. A twinkling, celestial shower of stringed instruments swirl around her folkie soprano vocal in this magical soundscape. Do you ears a favor and treat them to this. The production’s female cast includes Sierra Hull, SistaStrings and Lucie Silvas, all of whom you should also get to know.

JAMEY JOHNSON / “Someday When I’m Old”
Writers: Aimee Mayo/Chris Lindsey/Troy Verges; Producer: The Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Big Gassed Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Last week, Grand Ole Opry great Johnson dropped Midnight Gasoline as his new collection. It’s his first new album in 14 years, and the wait has been worth it. This week, he issued its first video. It is an eye-opening use of AI technology to illustrate him interacting with himself as he looked 20 years ago. As previously reviewed, the song is his moody, moving meditation about what he might say to his younger self. The ballad moves at a languid pace as the lyric poignantly explores aging and memory and mortality.

ANDREW FARRISS / “Something Stronger”
Writers: Andrew Farriss/Lawrence Minson; Producer: Andrew Farriss; Label: AF
– Remember INXS and its passionate 1987 rock hit “Need You Tonight”? The Aussie band’s Andrew Farriss is now recording in a country/Americana mode. His single’s track is a pluperfect country rocker and the song is also catchy and country. But he remains a pop singer rather than a country vocal stylist.

LONESTAR / “Try”
Writers: Ben West/Busbee; Producer: Dean Sams; Label: Lonestar
– This is a cover of P!nk’s 2012 pop hit “Try.” First of all, I adore P!nk. Second of all, new lead vocalist Drew Womack has always affected me deeply (recall his work in Sons of the Desert). Third of all, this reinterpretation works spectacularly well. Absolutely play “Try” on repeat. The track is drawn from a forthcoming EP of Lonestar’s country versions of iconic songs by female pop artists such as Adele, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, Cyndi Lauper and Eurhythmics. Essential listening.

NEON UNION / “Alright Where She Left Me”
Writers: Andrew Millsaps/Brandon Hood/Leo Brooks; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Red Street Records
– She’s left him, but a night in the barroom will make everything okay. Raucous and celebratory.

SAMMY KERSHAW / “I’d Rather Go Blind”
Writers: Billy Foster/Jordan Ellington; Producer: Rick Price; Label: Goldenlane Records
– You are treading on shaky ground when attempting to cover a torrid Etta James soul classic. Kershaw gives it his best country shot, but comes up short. James, by the way, is also the song’s uncredited co-writer.

CARTER FAITH / “The Aftermath”
Writers: Carter Faith/Lauren Hungate/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– Aching and bittersweet, this is a splendid heartache ballad. Faith’s plaintive soprano wanders the emotional landscape of a breakup so exquisitely that you hang on every line of the performance. I was enchanted.

REBECCA FRAZIER / “High Country Road Trip”
Writers: Rebecca Frazier/Rorey Carroll; Producer: Bill Wolf; Label: Compass Records Group
– She first gained notice for her deft acoustic guitar playing and her participation in the award-winning band Hit and Run. But her new Boarding Windows in Paradise album equally showcases Frazier as a songwriter and singer. This breezy bluegrass romp sounds just like its open-air, “road trip” title. A stellar cast backs her, including Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, Stuart Duncan and Barry Bales. Frazier plays the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday.

My Music Row Story: ACM’s Tommy Moore

/by

Tommy Moore

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 Chief of Staff, Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance, Tommy Moore spearheads artist communication and engagement within the Academy of Country Music. He also directs the overall Board communication of ACM, in addition to managing ticketing for all of its events. Moore supervises all Academy membership operations as well as ACM Awards voting and processes. Finally, he oversees all the Academy’s DEI initiatives.

Atlanta-born and Chicago-raised, Moore attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he graduated with a degree in broadcasting and electronic communications. His lifelong love for country music dovetailed professionally with an early job in radio at WMIL-FM in Milwaukee, where he worked as a morning show production assistant. Moore joined the Academy in 2011, where he most recently served as Senior Director, Governance & Board Administration, a position that was absorbed into his current expanded role. He reports to Damon Whiteside, ACM CEO.

Additionally, Moore is a Leadership Music Class of 2022 and Society of Leaders In Development (SOLID) Class of 2014 alum. He was also named to MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing list in 2019, and Billboard‘s Pride list in 2021.

MusicRow: Where did you grow up?

I was born just outside of Atlanta, and my parents moved shortly afterward to the northwest suburb of Chicago—Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights area.

Photo: Courtesy of Moore

Were you a country music fan?

I was a huge music fan. Music is huge in my family. My mom loves The Boss, and my dad is very eclectic—jazz, folk, you name it. I didn’t get into country until later in high school.

Was music always the plan?

I actually started college on the pre-med track. Music was always part of my life; we sang, though I wasn’t very good at it. My uncle was a doctor and went to Marquette University, and I thought I wanted to follow that path. I loved it and was a strong student, but during my sophomore year, a friend suggested that I try out for a program called Marquette Superstar.

Photo: Courtesy of Moore

I did it, and it was so fun. I ended up winning. That introduced me to Marquette’s broadcast and electronic communications major, so I made the switch from pre-med. My parents were super supportive of the change, and that led to an internship in country radio at WMIL Milwaukee.

How did you get the radio job?

I had an internship with a news program that partnered with the radio stations for weather. I heard about an opening at the country station, joined the street team and turned that into a job for about two years.

What did you do there?

I worked with the morning show team, handled blog postings, edited clips and anything else that was needed. Radio doesn’t have a lot of resources, so it was a bit of everything.

Photo: Courtesy of Moore

I saw the trajectory—seeing radio tours, the younger artists’ excitement and wanting to be close to that. I loved radio, but after three years, I was ready for a change. Then the ACM came up in 2011.

And you got it! Tell me about joining ACM.

I moved out to Los Angeles and joined ACM as an assistant in Events & Operations, I was heavily involved in the physical parts of event production and some finance. Bob Romeo and Tiffany Moon were leading ACM at the time. Tiffany oversaw all of the Board, talent and some of ACM Lifting Lives and charity. My role evolved and I eventually handled Board and charitable activities. Outside of PR, I’ve touched on every department of the Academy in the last 13 years.

Photo: Courtesy of Moore

I became Secretary of the Board, and I just grew with that. About four years ago, I was promoted to create an Artist & Industry Relations department, which hadn’t previously existed. Since we were in L.A. at the time, it was to be the face of the Academy for talent. We wanted to ensure that we connected with the country community. Now I’m the Chief of Staff, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance.

How was the move to Nashville for you?

It’s been almost three years. Time flies. I loved L.A., but I was ready for a new chapter. I’d built a community in Nashville, so it felt like the perfect next step.

Photo: Courtesy of Moore

What’s your day-to-day like now?

A big priority of mine is supporting Damon [Whiteside], our CEO, with day-to-day management, HR policies and Board duties. It’s a mix of personnel, Board relations and administrative work.

You must be a people person for this role. How would you describe your management style?

I’m definitely not a micromanager, I believe in empowering staff. If you have the right people in the right spots, they’ll step up to meet demands. Kindness and respect are essential. If you treat people right, they want to work together.

Photo: Courtesy of Moore

What’s an experience that your younger self would find cool?

For a class in college, we had to create a Twitter account because it was a new social media platform. I remember live-tweeting the ACM Awards back in college and even tweeted at Katie Cook, who was covering it. It sounds dorky in hindsight, but it’s cool thinking about the award shows we’ve accomplished since then, like the 50th anniversary of the ACM Awards in 2015.

Outside of that, I also have gotten to work on the Academy Awards, the Grammys and a couple of Hollywood Bowl opening nights. I have a lot of meaningful memories that are fun to look back on.

The live television part of your job sounds so stressful. How do you manage your nerves for live shows?

It’s chaotic, we don’t sleep for a month. But you’re filled with adrenaline, and it’s so much fun. Some moments feel surreal, like being part of turning points in artists’ careers.

Photo: Courtesy of Moore

Any standout moments from past ACM Awards?

Most recently, Chris Stapleton and Dua Lipa‘s performance at the ACM Awards this year was so great, especially since it was the best-kept secret—which never happens. [Laughs] I also remember a “Salute The Troops” special a few years ago that was a benefit for ACM Lifting Lives. Carrie Underwood sang to a crowd of soldiers, and it was so emotional and touching. It felt good to be a part of something important.

I’m also really proud of the Academy’s work, especially with ACM Lifting Lives. Bringing philanthropy and entertainment together is really rewarding—making people happy while giving back is a great crossroads.

Photo: Courtesy of Moore

Who have been some of your mentors?

One of the coolest thing about my position is getting to work so closely with the Board, specifically our chairs. Past Board Chairs like Rod Essig, Gayle Holcomb, Ed Warm, Ebie McFarland and Chuck Aly have been very impactful.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?

Say yes to everything. Be there, willing to help out. Sometimes [event organizers or internship bosses] don’t know they need help until there’s someone there to offer it.

My parents also taught me to show up, be kind and work hard. If you do that consistently, you’ll get where you’re going.

Charlie Handsome Hits Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

/by

Charlie Handsome.

Charlie Handsome has entered the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Guy For That,” “I Had Some Help,” “Losers,” “Love Somebody,” “Pour Me A Drink,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Whiskey Whiskey” propelled the songwriter/producer to No. 5 this week.

Zach Bryan has reclaimed the No. 1 spot with “28,” “American Nights” and “Pink Skies.” Chris Stapleton jumps to No. 2 this week with “Think I’m In Love With You.”

Ashley Gorley (No. 3) and Jessie Jo Dillon (No. 4) round out this week’s top five.

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

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Beyoncé, Post Malone & Shaboozey Lead Country Grammy Nominations

/by

Post Malone, Beyoncé and Shaboozey

The nominees for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards were announced this morning (Nov. 8), with Beyoncé (11), Charli xcx (7), Billie Eilish (7), Kendrick Lamar (7), Post Malone (7), Sabrina Carpenter (6), Chappell Roan (6), Taylor Swift (6) and Shaboozey leading the pack.

With their respective country albums, Beyoncé and Post also led the country categories, with the former earning a nod for Best Country Solo Performance (“16 Carriages”), Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“II Most Wanted” with Miley Cyrus), Best Country Song (“Texas Hold ‘Em”) and Best Country Album (Cowboy Carter), and the latter represented in Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen), Best Country Song (“I Had Some Help”) and Best Country Album (F-1 Trillion).

Beyoncé also garnered nods in other genres, as well as the general field Song of the Year and Record of the Year with “Texas Hold ‘Em,” and Cowboy Carter in Album of the Year. With this group of nominations, the artist became the most-nominated artist in Grammy history with 99 total nods.

Shaboozey racked up six nods, including the only country representation in the general field category of Best New Artist. His “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was nominated for the general field Song of the Year as well as Best Country Song, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Remixed Recording. His collaboration with Beyoncé “Spaghettii,” which also features Linda Martell, was nominated for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Kacey Musgraves garnered nominations in the Best County Song and Solo Performance with “The Architect,” and her Deeper Well album appeared in Best Country Album, as well as nods in Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical and Best Americana Performance (“Don’t Do Me Good” with Madi Diaz). Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind was recognized in Best Country Album, and Jelly Roll‘s “I Am Not Okay” received Best Country Song and Solo Performance nods.

Chris Stapleton‘s Higher appeared in Best Country Album and “It Takes A Woman” in Country Solo Performance. Also included in the Best Country Duo/Group Performance are Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan (“Cowboys Cry Too”), Brothers Osborne (“Break Mine”) and Dan + Shay (“Bigger Houses”).

In the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical category, two Nashville writers prevailed with Jessi Alexander and Jessie Jo Dillon being included. Ian Fitchuk was nominated for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical. The country mega-soundtrack for Twisters garnered some nods, with Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media and Best Song Written for Visual Media (“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma”).

Notably absent from the country categories this year were Cody Johnson, who was a top nominee for the CMA Awards later this month, as well as Megan Moroney. Luke Combs was only nominated for his song on the Twisters soundtrack, “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma.” Other than his nods with Post Malone, 2024 CMA Award nominee leader Morgan Wallen also did not receive any nominations.

BREAKING: Nominees Announced For 67th Annual Grammy Awards

/by

The nominees for the 67th Grammy Awards were revealed this morning (Nov. 8) across all categories.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. was joined by Grammy winners Brandy Clark, Kirk Franklin, David Frost, Robert Gordon, Kylie Minogue, Victoria Monét, Gaby Moreno, Deanie Parker, Ben Platt, Mark Ronson and Hayley Williams as well as Grammy-nominated comedian Jim Gaffigan and CBS Mornings Host Gayle King to unveil the nominees.

“Today we celebrate the amazing creative achievements of our music community,” said Mason Jr. “It was an incredible year in music and these nominations reflect the work of a voting body that is more representative of the music community than ever before. The Grammy became music’s most coveted award precisely because the recognition comes from one’s peers, and I’m so grateful for the Academy’ s 13,000 voting members who take the time to evaluate all the amazing music, cast their votes, and honor their peers. Congratulations to all the nominees.”

This year’s eligibility period includes recordings released between Sept. 16, 2024–Aug. 30, 2024 . The final round of Grammy voting, which will determine winners, will run from Dec. 12, 2024–Jan. 3, 2025.

The show will take place on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

For a full list of this year’s finalists, visit grammy.com.

Select Grammy Nominees:

Best New Artist:
Benson Boone
Sabrina Carpenter
Doechii
Khruangbin
Raye
Chappell Roan
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims

Album of the Year:
New Blue Sun – André 3000
Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
Brat – Charli XCX
Djesse Vol. 4 – Jacob Collier
Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish

Song Of The Year:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry & Mark Williams, songwriters (Shaboozey)
“Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
“Die With a Smile” – Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II, James Fauntleroy, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars)
“Fortnight” – Jack Antonoff, Austin Post & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone)
“Good Luck, Babe!” – Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Daniel Nigro & Justin Tranter, songwriters (Chappell Roan)
“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
“Please Please Please” – Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
“Texas Hold ‘Em” – Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Beyoncé)

Record of the Year:
“Now And Then” – The Beatles
“Texas Hold ‘Em” – Beyoncé
“Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
“360” – Charli xcx
“Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
“Good Luck, Babe!” – Chappell Roan
“Fortnight” – Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical:
Alissia
Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
Ian Fitchuk
Mustard
Daniel Nigro

Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical:
Jessi Alexander
Amy Allen
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Raye

Country Solo Performance:
“16 Carriages” — Beyoncé
“I Am Not Okay” —Jelly Roll
“The Architect” — Kacey Musgraves
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” — Shaboozey
“It Takes A Woman” — Chris Stapleton

Country Album:
Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves
Higher – Chris Stapleton
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson

Country Duo/Group Performance:
“Cowboys Cry Too” — Kelsea Ballerini With Noah Kahan
“II MOST WANTED” — Beyoncé Featuring Miley Cyrus
“Break Mine” — Brothers Osborne
“Bigger Houses” — Dan + Shay
“I Had Some Help” — Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen

Country Song:
“The Architect” — Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” — Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry & Mark Williams, songwriters (Shaboozey)
“I Am Not Okay” — Casey Brown, Jason DeFord, Ashley Gorley & Taylor Phillips, songwriters (Jelly Roll)
“I Had Some Help” — Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Morgan Wallen & Chandler Paul Walters, songwriters (Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen)
“Texas Hold ‘Em” — Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Beyoncé)

Americana Album:
The Other Side – T Bone Burnett
$10 Cowboy – Charley Crockett
Trail Of Flowers – Sierra Ferrell
Polaroid Lovers – Sarah Jarosz
No One Gets Out Alive – Maggie Rose
Tigers Blood – Waxahatchee

American Roots Performance:
“Blame It On Eve” — Shemekia Copeland
“Nothing In Rambling” — The Fabulous Thunderbirds Featuring Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal & Mick Fleetwood
“Lighthouse” — Sierra Ferrell
“The Ballad Of Sally Anne” — Rhiannon Giddens

Americana Performance:
“YA YA” — Beyoncé
“Subtitles” — Madison Cunningham
“Don’t Do Me Good” — Madi Diaz Featuring Kacey Musgraves
“American Dreaming” — Sierra Ferrell
“Runaway Train” — Sarah Jarosz
“Empty Trainload Of Sky” — Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

American Roots Song:
“Ahead Of The Game” — Mark Knopfler, songwriter (Mark Knopfler)
“All In Good Time” — Sam Beam, songwriter (Iron & Wine Featuring Fiona Apple)
“All My Friends” — Aoife O’Donovan, songwriter (Aoife O’Donovan)
“American Dreaming” — Sierra Ferrell & Melody Walker, songwriters (Sierra Ferrell)
“Blame It On Eve” — John Hahn & Will Kimbrough, songwriters (Shemekia Copeland)

Gospel Performance/Song:
“Church Doors” — Yolanda Adams; Donald Lawrence & Sir William James Baptist, songwriters
“Yesterday” — Melvin Crispell III
“Hold On (Live)” — Ricky Dillard
“Holy Hands” — DOE; Jesse Paul Barrera, Jeffrey Castro Bernat, Dominique Jones, Timothy Ferguson, Kelby Shavon Johnson, Jr., Jonathan McReynolds, Rickey Slikk Muzik Offord & Juan Winans, songwriters
“One Hallelujah” — Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell & Israel Houghton Featuring Jonathan McReynolds & Jekalyn Carr; G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters

Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song:
“Holy Forever (Live)” — Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson Featuring CeCe Winans
“Praise” — Elevation Worship Featuring Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore; Pat Barrett, Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Chandler Moore, songwriters
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” — Honor & Glory Featuring Disciple
“In The Name Of Jesus” — JWLKRS Worship & Maverick City Music Featuring Chandler Moore; Austin Armstrong, Ran Jackson, Chandler Moore, Sajan Nauriyal, Ella Schnacky, Noah Schnacky & Ilya Toshinskiy, songwriters
“In The Room” — Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore Featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard; G. Morris Coleman, Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters
“That’s My King” — CeCe Winans; Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Llyod Nicks & Jess Russ, songwriters

Gospel Album:
Covered Vol. 1 — Melvin Crispell III
Choirmaster II (Live) — Ricky Dillard
Father’s Day — Kirk Franklin
Still Karen — Karen Clark Sheard
More Than This — CeCe Winans

Contemporary Christian Music Album:
Heart Of A Human — DOE
When Wind Meets Fire — Elevation Worship
Child Of God — Forrest Frank
Coat Of Many Colors — Brandon Lake
The Maverick Way Complete — Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore

Bluegrass Album:
I Built A World — Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Songs of Love and Life — The Del McCoury Band
No Fear — Sister Sadie
Live Vol. 1 — Billy Strings
Earl Jam — Tony Trischka
Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman — Dan Tyminski

Song Written for Visual Media:
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” [From “Twisters: The Album”] — Jessi Alexander, Luke Combs & Jonathan Singleton, songwriters (Luke Combs)
“Better Place” [From “TROLLS Band Together”] — Amy Allen, Shellback & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (*NSYNC & Justin Timberlake)
“Can’t Catch Me Now” [From “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes”] — Daniel Nigro & Olivia Rodrigo, songwriters (Olivia Rodrigo)
“It Never Went Away” [From “American Symphony”] — Jon Batiste & Dan Wilson, songwriters (Jon Batiste)
“Love Will Survive” [From “The Tattooist of Auschwitz”] — Walter Afanasieff, Charlie Midnight, Kara Talve & Hans Zimmer, songwriters (Barbra Streisand)

Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording:
All You Need Is Love: The Beatles in Their Own Words (Various Artists) — Guy Oldfield, producer
…And Your Ass Will Follow — George Clinton
Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones — Dolly Parton
Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration — Jimmy Carter
My Name Is Barbra — Barbra Streisand

Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media:
The Color Purple — (Various Artists)
Deadpool & Wolverine — (Various Artists)
Maestro: Music By Leonard Bernstein — London Symphony Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Bradley Cooper
Saltburn — (Various Artists)
Twisters: The Album — (Various Artists)

Music Film:
“American Symphony” — Jon Batiste / Matthew Heineman, video director; Lauren Domino, Matthew Heineman & Joedan Okun, video producers
“June” — (June Carter Cash) / Kristen Vaurio, video director; Josh Matas, Sarah Olson, Jason Owen, Mary Robertson & Kristen Vaurio, video producers
“Kings From Queens” — Run DMC / Kirk Fraser, video director; William H. Masterson III, video producer
“Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple” — Steven Van Zandt / Bill Teck, video director; Robert Cotto, David Fisher & Bill Teck, video producers
“The Greatest Night in Pop” — (Various Artists) / Bao Nguyen, video director; Bruce Eskowitz, George Hencken, Larry Klein, Julia Nottingham, Lionel Richie & Harriet Sternberg, video producers

Recording Package:
The Avett Brothers — Jonny Black & Giorgia Sage, art directors (The Avett Brothers)
Baker Hotel — Sarah Dodds & Shauna Dodds, art directors (William Clark Green)
BRAT — Brent David Freaney & Imogene Strauss, art directors (Charli xcx)
F-1 Trillion — Archie Lee Coates IV, Jeffrey Franklin, Blossom Liu, Kylie McMahon & Ana Cecilia Thompson Motta, art directors (Post Malone)
Hounds Of Love The Baskerville Edition — Kate Bush & Albert McIntosh, art directors (Kate Bush)

Engineered Album, Non-Classical:
Algorithm — Dernst Emile II, Michael B. Hunter, Stephan Johnson, Rachel Keen, John Kercy, Charles Moniz & Todd Robinson, engineers; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer (Lucky Daye)
Cyan Blue — Jack Emblem, Jack Rochon & Charlotte Day Wilson, engineers; Chris Gehringer, mastering engineer (Charlotte Day Wilson)
Deeper Well — Craig Alvin, Shawn Everett, Mai Leisz, Todd Lombardo, John Rooney, Konrad Snyder & Daniel Tashian, engineers; Greg Calbi, mastering engineer (Kacey Musgraves)
empathogen — Beatriz Artola, Zach Brown, Oscar Cornejo, Chris Greatti & Mitch McCarthy, engineers; Joe La Porta, mastering engineer (WILLOW)
i/o — Tchad Blake, Oli Jacobs, Katie May & Dom Shaw, engineers; Matt Colton, mastering engineer (Peter Gabriel)
Short n’ Sweet — Bryce Bordone, Julian Bunetta, Serban Ghenea, Jeff Gunnell, Oli Jacobs, Ian Kirkpatrick, Jack Manning, Manny Marroquin, John Ryan & Laura Sisk, engineers; Nathan Dantzler & Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineers (Sabrina Carpenter)

Ella Langley & Riley Green Hold No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Radio Chart

/by

Ella Langley keeps the top position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with her song “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green.

The track is a part of her debut studio album Hungover and was written by Langley, Green and Aaron Raitiere.

Last week (Oct. 31 & Nov. 1), the breakout star performed in front of a sold-out crowd at Nashville’s Exit/In. She continues her sold-out “The Hungover Tour” tonight (Nov. 8) in Texas and looks to support Cody Johnson’s “Leather Tour” on Nov. 9 in Arlington, Texas.

“You Look Like You Love Me” currently sits at No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.

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