Become A Subscriber To Vote In 2024 MusicRow Awards

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

Only MusicRow subscribers are able to vote in the annual MusicRow Awards and the 2024 ballot period ends this Friday (Aug. 9). New subscribers will be sent a ballot shortly after joining.

The nominees for the 2024 MusicRow Awards can be viewed in the MusicRow “Nominator.”

A membership can be purchased here and includes the following:
– Six Annual Print Issues (Including the coveted annual InCharge print issue, as well as 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)
– Voting Eligibility in the annual MusicRow Awards

Luke Combs Stays Atop MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Twisters’ Track

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Luke Combs notches his second week atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma.”

The track appears on Twisters: The Album from the film Twisters that released late last month. The song was written by Combs, Jessi Alexander and Jonathan Singleton.

Combs was recently featured in Post Malone’s new single, “Guy For That,” from his upcoming album F-1 Trillion arriving on Aug. 16.

“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” currently sits at No. 8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jordan Davis ‘Tries On A Jaunty Tempo Tune’

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It’s a variety pack of flavors in today’s DISClaimer.

We have a legend, Queen Reba, as well as newcomers Colin Stough, plus Ryan & Rory. We have folk (Kacey Musgraves), hip-hop (Shaboozey), gospel (The Oak Ridge Boys) yodeling (Phoebe White) and pop (The Mavericks).

Our two contenders for the Disc of the Day award are both solidly country, Drew Parker and Jordan Davis. I’m a huge fan of both singers. I’m giving the honor to Davis, but please play them both. A lot.

In keeping with our “variety pack” theme of the day, the DISCovery Awardees come to us from Brazil. Welcome Fernando & Sorocaba.

JUSTIN MOORE / “Put A Boot In It”
Writers: Jeremy Stover/Justin Moore/Randy Montana/Will Bundy; Producers: Jeremy Stover, Scott Borchetta; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– This takes aim at folks who trade trap beats for twang and move to Nashville from L.A. in order to make money in country music. He threatens mild violence if they don’t get more “country,” according to his definition of the lifestyle/sound. The verses and the choruses have jarringly different tempos.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “Promised Land”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Jeff Jones/Terry Clayton; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lightning Rod Records
– Producer Dave Cobb insisted that the late Joe Bonsall sing a solo lead on this beautiful gospel ballad. The group has now issued a moving video of the tune in commemoration/homage to their fallen comrade. Bonsall died on July 9. The group will continue its farewell tour without him. Ben James joined as the Oaks tenor vocalist when Bonsall retired from the road in January.

PHOEBE WHITE, SUZY BOGGUSS & RIDERS IN THE SKY / “Ride Along With Me”
Writer: Phoebe White; Producer: Michael Jonathan; Label: Poet Man
– Here’s a smile for the day. Suzy Bogguss shares lead vocals with White on this lively track that kicks off the 14-year-old Kentucky yodeling phenomenon’s new album. Riders in the Sky provide the instrumental and vocal backing. The album, Cowgirl’s Delight, drops next month.

SHABOOZEY & BIGXTHAPLUG / “Drink Don’t Need No Mix”
Writers: Collins Obinna Chibueze/McKay Stevens/Nevin Sastry/Sean Cook/Xavier Landum; Producers: Sean Cook, McKay Stevens, Nevin Sastry; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– It looks like Shaboozey is going to be country’s breakout star of 2024. His delightful “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is a multi-week No. 1 smash on both country and pop charts and has been streamed 900 million times and counting. The native Virginian teams with heavyweight rising Dallas rapper BigXThaPlug in his new video. It is a profanity laced, tuneless outing that owes much more to hip-hop culture than country.

DREW PARKER / “Love The Leavin’”
Writers: Drew Parker/Lindsay Rimes/Matt Rogers; Producer: Jacob Rice; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Parker finally dropped his debut album Camouflage Cowboy a couple of weeks ago. He simultaneously released a video for this torrid ballad. The performance will make a believer out of you, if you’re not already in his fan club. This man is a spectacular vocal talent, among the very best of this generation of young country performers.

REBA McENTIRE / “I Can’t”
Writers: Tania Hancheroff/Tia Sillers/Victoria Banks; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Rockin’ R Records
– Very impressive. The Country Music Hall of Fame member unleashes one of the finest performances of her distinguished career with this dramatic power ballad. The lyric is wonderfully poetic and the production has tension and energy. The ode to romantic survival is accompanied by an artful video featuring an eye-popping set and florid ballet dancers.

COLIN STOUGH / “Lookin’ For Home”
Writers: Colin Stough/Lewis Brice/Rivers Rutherford; Producer: Alex Maxwell; Label: BBR Music Group
– This American Idol alumnus has issued his debut EP. Its title tune is a rolling country rocker with a wide-open-spaces “road” vibe.

JORDAN DAVIS / “I Ain’t Sayin’”
Writers: Emily Reid/Mark Holman/Steve Moakler/Travis Wood; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– Mr. Davis tries on a jaunty tempo tune, and it fits just right. He might not be Mr. Right, but that other guy “sure as hell ain’t.” I remain an enormous fan.

CHASE MATTHEW AND FERNANDO & SOROCABA / “Cold Blooded”
Writers: Chase Matthew/Felipe Kef/Laroy Sanchez/Lucas Santos/Sorocaba; Producer: Lucas Santos; Label: Warner Music Brazil
– The lyric might be a heartbreaker, but the fabulous Brazilian rhythms will make you want to dance down Lower Broadway with a grin on your face. Viva Fernando y Sorocaba!

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Irish Goodbye”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– Pretty. Airy. Wafting. Folkie. Soothing.

RYAN AND RORY / “Pour Decisions”
Writers: Emily Reid/Kevin Bard/Maya Kurchner/Remy Gautreau/Ryan Follese; Producers: Kevin Bard, Nick Zinnanti; Label: BBR Music Group
– Drawling, drowsy, boozy, Southern and loping. Relax and ride along.

THE MAVERICKS & MAGGIE ROSE / “Look Around You”
Writer: Raul Malo; Producers: Raul Malo, Niko Bolas; Label: Mono Mundo Recordings
– Lovely and essential. The groove-soaked track features marvelous poly-rhythms, horn punctuations and twin harmony singing by group leader Raul Malo and soulful Maggie Rose. The hippie message of brotherhood is uplifting and uniting. You can dance to it, too.

Carrie Underwood To Return To ‘American Idol’ As Newest Judge

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Carrie Underwood. Photo: Randee St. Nicholas

Season four winner Carrie Underwood will return to American Idol as its newest judge. She will join fellow country star Luke Bryan and music legend Lionel Richie on the judging panel as well as longtime host Ryan Seacrest for the music competition series’ 23rd overall season, and eighth season on ABC and Hulu.

“Carrie Underwood is the first American Idol alum ever to join the judging panel. Her global superstar status as the most successful Idol winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show. She embodies the true spirit of Idol, as she herself is the definition of the Cinderella story. Our future hopefuls will have the chance to receive advice from someone who has walked in their exact footsteps every step of the way,” states Megan Wolflick, Showrunner & Executive Producer, American Idol. “Carrie has always been a strong supporter of Idol, and I’m thrilled for her to be reunited with our Idol family.”

“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts on Idol, and launched her successful multi-Grammy-winning career. As a former ‘Idol’ and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows on television,” says Craig Erwich, President, Disney Television Group. “This is a full-circle moment both for the show and audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home, Carrie.”

Since it began airing on ABC, American Idol has been a top unscripted series on the network in terms of total viewers. It currently ranks as the No. 1 most social entertainment series on broadcast or cable with over 63 million total social interactions.

Auditions for the upcoming season will kick off on Aug. 12 with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next music sensation, taking place across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a producer across any official audition date for a chance to face the judges. Contenders will also be able to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible. For more information, click here.

Mark Your Calendar—August 2024

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Single/Track Release Dates:

Lainey Wilson & Miranda Lambert

August 1
Danielia Cotton/So Afraid Of Losing You Again/Cottontown LLC/Symphonic Distribution
Jared Petteys/Just Go Baby

August 2
Lainey Wilson (feat. Miranda Lambert)/Good Horses/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Midland/Vegas/Big Machine Records
Kameron Marlowe (feat. Marcus King)/High Hopes/Sony Music Nashville
Pecos & The Rooftops/One Drunk Summer/Warner Records
Tiera Kennedy/Cry
Jackson Dean/Heavens To Betsy/Big Machine Records
Ty Myers/Let ‘Em Talk/RECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records
Troy Cartwright/One That You Want
Tyler Halverson/Closer/Atlantic Records
Shelby Lynne/Gone To Bed/Monument Records
Mackenzie Carpenter/Boots On/The Valory Music Co.
Annie Bosko/Cash/Stone Country Records
Zach John King/I’d Like To Think
Jillian Cardarelli/Can’t Help Falling In Love/Vydia
Remy Garrison/I Don’t Do This
Sheyna Gee/Younger
Bella Hudson/Cartier Cowgirl

August 5
Randall King/I Could Be That Rain/Warner Music Nashville
Pat Boone/Where Did America Go?/The Gold Label
Pryor Baird/Beauty In The Broken/Black River Entertainment
Matt VanFossen/Where You Gonna Run To Now

August 9
Kayley Green/Shadow Of A Cowboy/Sony Music Nashville

August 12
Lucie Tiger/Everybody Knows Your Name/2120 Music

August 19
Greg Pratt/If You Remember The 1990’s/PGMG Nashville

August 23
Jillian Cardarelli/American Blue/Vydia

August 26
Aaron Watson/Hit The Hay Runnin’/Adub/Big Label Records

 

Album/EP Releases:

Post Malone’s F1-Trillion cover art

August 2
Kacey Musgraves/Deeper Into The Well/Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
Ella Langley/Hungover/Columbia Records
Gavin Adcock/Actin’ Up Again/Thrivin Here Records
49 Winchester/Leavin’ This Holler/New West Records
Conner Smith/Smoky Mountains Sessions/The Valory Music Co.
Cody Hibbard/Long Ride In A Short Bed
John Carter Cash/Pilgrimage To Rising Fawn

August 9
Elvis Presley/Memphis/RCA Records/Legacy Recordings
Little Big Town/Greatest Hits/Capitol Records Nashville
Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge/Wine On Venus

August 16
Post Malone/F1-Trillion/Mercury Records/Republic Records
Josh Turner/This Country Music Thing/MCA Nashville
Muscadine Bloodline/The Coastal Plain/Stancaster Music/Thirty Tigers
Morgan Wade/Obsessed/Sony Music Nashville
Shelby Lynne/Consequences Of The Crown/Monument Records
Dan Tyminski/Dan Tyminkski: Live From The Ryman

August 23
Thomas Rhett/About A Woman/The Valory Music Co.
Lainey Wilson/Whirlwind/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Warren Zeiders/Relapse/Warner Records
Colby Acuff/American Son/Sony Music Nashville
Randy Rogers Band/Rollercoaster 20th Anniversary Edition
Sarahbeth Taite/The Way We Started
Grant Maloy Smith/Mississippi: American Stories/Suburban Cowboy Records

August 29
Danielia Cotton/Charley’s Pride: A Tribute To Black Country Music/Cottontown LLC/Symphonic Distribution

August 30
Hannah Kerr/As I Am/Curb Records

 

Industry Events:

August 21
17th Annual ACM Honors

August 27
36th Annual MusicRow Awards (virtual)

August 27
21st Annual SOURCE Awards

BREAKING: Nominees Revealed For 36th Annual MusicRow Awards

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MusicRow Magazine is proud to reveal the nominees for the 2024 MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank. Determined by MusicRow subscribers, this year’s winners will be revealed on all online MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

MusicRow subscribers will receive their ballots via email on Wednesday, July 31. The Ballot Voting Period runs through Friday, Aug. 9 at 5 p.m. To become a MusicRow subscriber and become eligible to vote, sign up here.

Click here to view the digital “Nominator” newsletter for a complete list of all nominees.

There are 14 subscriber-voted categories, including:
1. Producer of the Year
2. Label Group of the Year
3. Talent Agency of the Year
4. Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
5. Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year
6. Male Songwriter of the Year
7. Female Songwriter of the Year
8. Song of the Year
9. Discovery Artist of the Year
10. Breakthrough Artist of the Year
11. Female Artist of the Year
12. Male Artist of the Year
13. Group/Duo Artist of the Year
14. Entertainer of the Year

Now in its 36th year, the MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest running music industry trade publication honors and celebrate the achievements of songwriters, artists, producers and more.

The final nominees revealed in this announcement are determined by a committee. For the categories of Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer, outside nominations are also considered. For the Male and Female Songwriter of the Year categories, nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart.

All nominations are based on projects that were active between the period of June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024. Continuing MusicRow’s tradition of recognizing talent behind the scenes, the Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards will be presented in conjunction with the MusicRow Awards. These honors salute Nashville’s most in-demand studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.

Taylor Phillips Moves Into Top 10 On Top Songwriter Chart

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Taylor Phillips

Taylor Phillips has entered the top 10 on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, sitting at No. 7 with “I Am Not Okay,” “Love You Again” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot with “28,” “American Nights,” “Bass Boat,” “Better Days,” “Boons,” “Funny Man,” “I Remember Everything,” “Mechanical Bull,” “Nine Ball,” “Northern Thunder,” “Oak Island,” “Pink Skies,” “Sandpaper,” “The Great American Bar Scene” and “The Way Back.” Ashley Gorley holds No. 2 with “Bulletproof,” “Cowgirls,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “Whiskey Whiskey” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.” 

Josh Phillips (No. 3), Jessi Alexander (No. 4) and Hunter Phelps (No. 5) 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.

Steven Curtis Chapman Invited To Become Grand Ole Opry Member

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Steven Curtis Chapman reacts to an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry
by Opry member and longtime friend Ricky Skaggs. Photo: Chris Hollo / Grand Ole Opry

Multi-Grammy and GMA Award-winning star Steven Curtis Chapman has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast. Opry member and longtime friend Ricky Skaggs did the honor of extending the invitation on Saturday night’s show.

With 50 No. 1 hits, Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history. He made his Opry debut 42 years ago at age 19, when he was a performer at Opryland Theme Park.

After Chapman’s set, Skaggs made his way to the stage with a framed photo of the young star from around the time of his Opry debut.

“[The archives] have found a picture of [you]. We need to have a picture of this,” Skaggs said, looking for Opry photographer Chris Hollo. “Get a good picture because this is going to go great beside that picture right there that he’s taking because you are going to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry, if you want to? Only if you want to!”

He continued, “I’m so proud for you bud. You deserve to be here. There’s been greats that have been on this stage and been members of the Opry and we are glad you’re joining the Grand Ole Opry and doing what you do best.”

“That is incredible, brother,” said Chapman. “I can not tell you all how surprised I am. This is a massive surprise. I had no idea, and I am so honored and just so grateful. What an amazing family to be a part of. I was thinking when I started singing tonight on this stage, I really did, this is my favorite place to sing these days. I feel at home, I feel like this is my family. Everyone here. I am so honored to be part of this family. Thank you guys. Thank you Jesus, and thank you all.”

Chapman’s induction date will be announced soon.

BREAKING: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Promotes Two

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Ryan Dokke & Andrew Thoen

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has elevated Ryan Dokke to Senior Vice President and Andrew Thoen to Director of Streaming & Digital Partners / Radio Promotion. Both are already on the job.

The Big Machine Label Group imprint’s artist roster includes Riley Green, Lady A, Brett Young, Chris Janson, Greylan James, Noah Hicks, Shaylen and more.

Dokke, who recently served as Vice President of Promotion and Marketing, joined the label in 2022. He previously served as CEO of Play It Again Music, as well as holding positions at Curb | Word Entertainment (Curb Records) and Sony Music Nashville (Arista Records). As SVP, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, Dokke will continue to oversee radio promotions for the label while expanding his focus to enhancing fan engagement and consumption through innovative marketing strategies.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to work alongside Scott and Jimmy these past couple years. I am beyond grateful for their continued confidence in me,” says Dokke. “I believe deeply in our incredible artist roster and passionate team and am so proud of how Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment is developing into such an inspiring and creative home for artists and music to thrive.”

“Throughout his tenure, Ryan has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of industry trends, making him an invaluable asset to our team. We are confident his leadership and innovative thinking moves our company forward,” says Jimmy Harnen, President of Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Regarding Thoen, Harnen continues, “it has been a joy to see Andrew rise through the ranks over the last 10 years here. His unwavering dedication and passion for the industry and our roster as a whole has contributed to many wins for this crew and we’re eager to see him thrive in this new role.”

Thoen transitions from Director of Northeast Promotion & Marketing to Director of Streaming & Digital Partners / Radio Promotion. He will spearhead the label’s streaming initiatives, driving Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s strategy forward amidst the evolving music industry landscape to amplify artist visibility and drive streaming revenue, while continuing to oversee marketing efforts for the label’s artist roster and radio promotion in his region. Thoen will report to Dokke.

“I’m deeply grateful for Jimmy and Ryan’s belief in me over the past decade and have cherished building relationships with our country radio partners,” shares Thoen. “I’m thrilled to now foster connections with our streaming partners and elevate our artists’ music to new heights.”

Luke Combs Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Twisters’ Track

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Luke Combs tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma.”

The track appears on Twisters: The Album from the newly-released film Twisters. The song was written by Combs, Jessi Alexander and Jonathan Singleton.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently unveiled their latest exhibit, “Luke Combs: The Man I Am.” The exhibit, open until June 2025,  explores his life and career with stage wear, tour memorabilia, manuscripts, set lists, instruments, photographs and more.

“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” currently sits at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 8 on the Mediabase chart.

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