Details Announced For CRS 2022 In-Person Gathering

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Country Radio Seminar (CRS), country music’s largest industry gathering, will return in person at the Omni Nashville Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, on Feb. 23 – 25, 2022.

CRS 2022 will also see the return of the CRS Streaming Summit on Wednesday, Feb. 23—which will likely address the online music listening and streaming subscriptions surge that took place during the pandemic. A one-day pass to attend the streaming summit will be available for $249 per person.

CRS Executive Director, RJ Curtis, says “CRS ’22 will open Wednesday, February 23rd with our 2nd annual, all-day Streaming Summit; enhanced and customized to give attendees a live, unforgettable experience. And, we’ll be revealing additional blockbuster content in the next two weeks that will make CRS ’22 an important, necessary destination for everyone determined to preserve our format’s continued success and longevity. We’ll see you in February!”

Registration for CRS 2022 opens Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. CT at the Early Bird Rate of $549 per person and will be available for purchase at countryradioseminar.com. Effective Aug. 19, the rate will increase to $649 per person. A ticket to the annual New Faces of Country Music Showcase is only included with in-person registration packages and will only be available until full capacity is reached.

Following the success of CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience livestreams, CRS will also be offering a virtual track featuring livestream sessions and on-demand content from the 3-day event. Musical performances will only be available in-person and not available through the virtual experience. The Early Bird rate for a CRS Virtual pass is $99 per person, and effective Aug.19, the rate will increase to $129 per person. Full in-person registrants will also be provided access to the virtual experience and receive the on-demand session library.

CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, adds, “We’re back—live, in-person and better than ever for CRS ’22. This will indeed be the greatest family reunion ever in country music, and it just wouldn’t be the same without you. So, make plans to join us at the Omni in February!”

Marty Stuart Signs With Sheltered Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Lance Freed (President Sheltered Music Publishing), Marty Stuart, Darrell Franklin (SVP Sheltered Music Publishing)

Marty Stuart has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Sheltered Music Publishing.

A five-time Grammy-winner, Platinum recording artist, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Americana Music Association, Grand Ole Opry star, country music archivist, photographer, musician, and songwriter, Stuart was also most recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame’s class of 2020 in the Modern Era Artist category.

Among his current projects are Songs I Sing In The Dark, a collection of songs recorded acoustically at Stuart’s former home outside of Nashville. An upcoming project Altitude, with his Fabulous Superlatives band, is also ready for release, and he and the Fabulous Superlatives are also putting the finishing touches on a yet-untitled cinematic surf record.

“When I met with Marty to ask him to join us at Sheltered Music with our promise to collaborate and help him in all of his future songwriting endeavors, he reached out with open arms and didn’t hesitate to say yes” says Sheltered Music SVP, Darrell Franklin. “Marty hasn’t lost a step as a writer or as a performer and we are honored and privileged that he has agreed to join us.”

“Humility and grace are part of the enduring character of people who have achieved greatness in their chosen field. Marty Stuart has already had a lasting, historical impact on country music,” says Sheltered Music President, Lance Freed.  “We are excited to be part of his next chapter as he continues to add to that legacy as a great musician and songwriter.”

“When it’s all said and done, the most important thing is the song,” states Stuart. “What often invites a great song into the room is an inviting, creative atmosphere, hosted by caring, musical people. You will not find any more loved and respected song men than Lance Freed and Darrell Franklin. Such pros, their track records say it all. It is such an honor to join forces with them.”

Kobalt Music Ups Jesse Willoughby, Stephanie Cox

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Jesse Willoughby, Stephanie Cox

Kobalt has announced the promotions of Jesse Willoughby as SVP of Business Development and Stephanie Cox as General Manager of the company’s Nashville office. Willoughby will be responsible for the strategic growth of Kobalt’s catalog via acquisitions, partnerships, and high-value direct signings across all genres and markets. In her new position, Cox will oversee and manage Kobalt’s Nashville creative team and the office’s daily operations.

Willoughby joined Kobalt in 2014 as Director of Business Development for Kobalt Neighbouring Rights out of their LA office, growing the business significantly over the next two years with signings including Calvin Harris, Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Shakira, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lukas Graham, A$AP Rocky among many others. After relocating to the Nashville office in 2015, he transitioned into the GM role of Kobalt Nashville in 2016, overseeing the day to day operations and management of Kobalt’s Nashville business.

Under Willougby’s leadership, Kobalt’s Nashville footprint experienced incredible growth, securing such high profile deals and partnerships including Dierks Bentley, SMACK Songs, Little Louder Music founded by Eric Church and Arturo Buenahora, Young Guns, Ben Simonetti, Gordie Sampson, Tommy Lee James, Michael Hardy through Relative Music, and BOOM Music with Keith Urban and Ross Copperman. In addition, Willoughby secured deals with up and coming artists such as Patrick Droney, Petey Martin, Jillian Jacqueline, Devon Gilfillian and Rainbow Kitten Surprise, among others.

“Jesse has been instrumental in establishing Kobalt as a top publisher in the Nashville community. We are excited for him to take on this new role where he will undoubtedly use his expertise and relationships to continue to drive Kobalt’s roster on a global level,” says Chief Experience Officer of Kobalt, Jeannette Perez.

“It’s been an honor to head the Nashville office for the last 5 years, I’m incredibly proud of what we were able to achieve during that time,” Willoughby shares. “I am looking forward to this new challenge and opportunity to further Kobalt’s growth and impact on a global scale.”

Cox started her career at Little Big Town Music, where she learned the art of developing songwriters and identifying career-defining songs for artists. She continued honing her skills at Reba McEntire’s Starstruck Entertainment where she was instrumental in establishing the successful career of Grammy award-winning Mark D. Sanders. She went on to run the creative team at MCA Music and helped them win ASCAP’s prestigious Publisher of the Year award. After, Cox branched out to form Larga Vista Music where she achieved success with multiple No. 1 records with George Strait, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, and The Band Perry.

Previously, Cox was SVP, Creative where she helped build the company’s presence and roster in Nashville. Most recently she was instrumental in the signing and development of hit songwriter and recording artist Hardy.

“Since joining Kobalt in 2011, Stephanie has been a key player in the growth and success of Kobalt Nashville. Stephanie is known in the community to be a creative force,” says Perez. “We’re confident her leadership will be critical in the further growth of Kobalt Nashville for our team, songwriters and partners.”

“I am thrilled to continue my career with one of the most innovative and progressive publishers in the world,” says Cox. “Getting to work with our amazing global creative staff and lead our Nashville office is an amazing opportunity and I am excited for the future.”

Old Dominion Tops MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart In 10 Weeks

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Old Dominion’s “I Was On A Boat That Day” rises to No. 1, earning 1,733 spins this week and 11,639 cumulative spins in just 10 weeks on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Band members Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Whit Sellers, and Geoff Sprung co-wrote the single alongside Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.

Old Dominion was recently featured on the cover of MusicRow’s 2021 Artist Roster print issue. Lead singer, Ramesy spoke about their new single saying, “When you listen to ‘I Was On a Boat That Day’ you are hearing us in the full joy of making music together. From the moment I counted the band off we were smiling from beginning to end. The tequila was flowing, the laughter was loud, and we knew in that moment we were creating something that would bring people as much joy as it was bringing us.” Pick up the latest edition of MusicRow Magazine here. 

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Young, Dylan Scott, Ashland Craft

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Ashland Craft, Dylan Scott, Chris Young

Here in Country Music Land, heartache is what we do best.

Nursing busted romances today are Dylan Scott, Ashland Craft, Cash Creek & Larry Stewart, Travis Denning and Chris Young. The Hobbs Sisters, Cadillac Three and Jake Hoot are trying to keep the country party going, but their efforts are drowned out by the more traditionalist crowd.

And it is from that crowd that all of our award winners are drawn this week. Ashland Craft lands the DisCovery Award, while Chris Young and Dylan Scott finish in a dead heat, tying for the Disc of the Day prize.

DUSTY BLACK & GARY LEVOX / “Somebody’s Mama”
Writers: Monty Criswell/Derek George/Houston Phillips; Producer: Colt Ford/Noah Gordon; Label: Black Label Country
— It’s an openly sentimental ode to a father’s love for his daughter. Very sweet and very country. Dusty delivers with restraint and nuance. Gary offers theatrical, high-tenor acrobatics.

CHRIS YOUNG / “Break Like You Do”
Writers: Anthony Smith/Chris DeStefano/Chris Young/Matt Rogers; Producer: Chris DeStefano/Chris Young; Label: RCA Nashville
— He’s such a superb singer. The rapid-fire construction of these lyrics doesn’t phase him one bit. Following their breakup, she’s doing fine. But he’s not, and he splatters his heartache all over this tempo tune. An unmistakable hit.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Make It Past Georgia”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Reid Isbell/Willie Morrison; Producer: Jonathan Singleton; Label: Big Loud
— I saw her open for Ian Munsick, and she’s a real spitfire. She kicks up some serious dust with a sandpapery delivery of this fierce heartache-on-the-road scorcher. Crank it up, and let her wail.

DYLAN SCOTT / “New Truck”
Writers: Hardy/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Will Weatherly/Matt Alderman/Curt Gibbs/Jim Ed Norman; Label: Curb Records
— This barn burner is a terrific showcase for this guy’s oomphy delivery. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with his vehicle, except for the fact that it reminds him of her every time he drives it. Dylan roars his way through the busted-heart lyric like a man possessed.

THE HOBBS SISTERS / “Turn It Up”
Writers: Hannah Hobbs/Lauren Hobbs/Joey Ebach; Producer: Ben Jackson/Joey Ebach; Label: THS
— They are twins, and the ultra close-knit harmonies sure reveal it. This fizzy, frothy ditty sounds exactly like a summertime party. Very tasty.

JASON ALDEAN & CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “If I Didn’t Love You”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy/John Morgan/Lydia Vaughan; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Broken Bow Records
— It’s a power ballad with all the boxes checked. Carrie’s harmony part is flawless, and both singers turn up the heat when they’re in solo spotlights.

RESTLESS ROAD / “Hometown Tonight”
Writers: Colton Pack/Garrett Nichols/Jacob Durrett/Zach Beeken; Producer: Jared Keim; Label: RCA Nashville/1021 Entertainment
— “Bar Friends” remains the single, but the trio has issued a new video to go with this romantic, zesty country rocker. All three men sing it with gusto.

THE CADILLAC THREE / “Get After It”
Writers: Jaren Johnston/Neil Mason/Zach Kale; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: Big Machine Records
— I still don’t hear this rock band as a “country” act.

JAKE HOOT / “Night Left”
Writers: Jake Hoot/Danny Myrick/Kylie Sackley; Producer: Danny Myrick; Label: INgrooves/Deluge Music
— The Voice winner tries on some Southern-rock duds, and they fit him just fine. Deep fried guitars and soulful shouting characterize this raising-hell party stomper.

CASH CREEK & LARRY STEWART / “Hard Time”
Writers: Larry Stewart/Michael Noble/Tim DuBois; Producer: none listed; Label: MCM
— I like the steady thump and the catchy melody of this, but the mix is weird with the vocals sounding strangely muffled.

TRAVIS DENNING / “Jack and Coke”
Writers: Travis Denning/CJ Solar/Chris Stevens; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Label: Mercury Nashville
— The lyric has fun mixing the name of a cocktail with a nursery rhyme (Jack and Jill). The track rolls along sympathetically while Travis emotes expressively about a failed relationship. The super clever “ABBY” remains the single, but if you want another sample of his fine upcoming album, here ya go.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “I Need Your Love”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Mark Neill; Producer: Mark Neill; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
— This could be from the soundtrack of American Graffiti. It’s an old-school r&b slow dance, complete with brass accents, bluesy guitar and triplet rhythms. All served up with a countrified Texas accent. This guy is the Real Deal.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: CMHOF Opens Martina McBride Exhibit

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Martina McBride at the opening celebration for Martina McBride: The Power of Her Voice at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Chapter 646

Events at the Country Music Hall of Fame always have the feeling of family reunions, but this week’s felt even more so.

First of all, the exhibit preview was in honor of the widely beloved Martina McBride. Second of all, it was the first event staged at the venue since….well, you know.

“I could not be more excited to be here, or for you to be here, for the celebration of ‘Martina McBride: The Power of Her Voice,’” said Kyle Young in welcoming the crowd on Tuesday (July 27). “It’s been a long, long, long, long time since we have been able to gather together in this Rotunda.”

“I am beyond thrilled to have my own exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame,” said Martina. “I’m so touched and moved by it. Thank you guys for sharing this special, special moment with me.”

We gathered in the Hall of Fame’s sacred Rotunda, surrounded by the plaques of country music’s legends. From the get-go, the get- together felt immensely warm and friendly.

Steve Moore, Brian Mansfield, Susan Nadler, Tim Wipperman, Dwight Wiles, Hunter Kelly, Evelyn Shriver, Rod Essig, Stormie Warren, Paul Worley, Tracy Gershon & Steve Fishell, Shane Tarleton, Phyllis Stark, Schatzi Hageman, Marion Williams, Dann Huff, Harry Stinson, Beth Hooker and Angela Stefano were merrily working the room. Masks were required, and Beth and Angela wore colorful ones, embroidered with Mexicali flair.

Matt Leimkueler spotted Garth Brooks in the throng. The superstar was sans hat and sporting a dark beard. I think he was trying to blend in, but once Matt approached him for some quotes, other attendees began asking Garth for selfies. You’ll recall that John McBride once worked on concert production for the megastar and that his then-unknown wife tagged along on the tour selling t-shirts. Then when Martina got her recording contract, Garth hired her as his opening act.

Martina McBride admires the opening of Martina McBride: The Power of Her Voice. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

In addition to Matt, I hung out with Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Gretchen Peters and keyboardist extraordinaire Barry Walsh. How many can say they have written a signature song, as Gretchen did with “Independence Day?”

The museum’s staff was hosting the event with aplomb. Brenda Colladay, Michael Gray, Mike McCall (who curated the exhibit), Lisa Purcell, Peter Cooper, Aubrey Miller and Paul Kingsbury greeted folks with class.

After snacking on yummy sliders, desserts and other treats, we headed upstairs to the exhibit. The display’s first section is devoted to Martina’s Kansas girlhood and features toys, her high school yearbook and items related to her performances in her family’s country-music band, The Shiffters, The center section includes lots of gorgeous gowns – let’s face it, she’s one of country’s great beauties and has a figure that’s perfect for couture. Martina’s five CMA awards and four ACM awards are exhibited. There is also a “Vocal Advocate” section that highlights her efforts against domestic violence and support of other causes. This is highlighted by her Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award crystal column.

“This is surreal and overwhelming,” said the always humble star about her museum honor. “It is a dream come true.”

“She is a force of nature,” commented Kyle. “Our admiration for her has only grown.”

And as for the event, itself? “It’s about coming together as a community…..once more.”

Lori McKenna Enters Partnership With Concord, PULSE & Creative Nation

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Luke Laird (Creative Nation), Scott Cutler (Pulse Music Group), Jim Selby (Concord Music Publishing), Duff Berschback (Concord Music Publishing); (L-R, front row): Beth Laird (Creative Nation), Lori McKenna, Josh Abraham (Pulse Music Group). Photo: Spencer Combs

Concord Music Publishing, Creative Nation and PULSE Music Group have partnered to sign a multi-faceted agreement with lauded songwriter and artist, Lori McKenna. Concord Music Publishing has acquired McKenna’s publishing catalog and in partnership with Creative Nation and PULSE, will co-publish McKenna going forward.

McKenna is one of the music industry’s most in-demand songwriters and has been awarded three Grammy wins as a songwriter for Best Country Song with Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” (2015), Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” (2016), and most recently, The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table” (2020). She has also won two CMA Awards and was named the ACM Songwriter of the Year in 2017. In addition to her work in country music, McKenna also co-wrote “Always Remember Us This Way,” which was featured in the Academy Award-winning film, A Star Is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

“I’m thrilled and thankful to keep doing what I love most with my Creative Nation family in Nashville. I’m so excited to add PULSE and Concord in this next chapter and I look forward to what’s to come,” McKenna says.

McKenna catalog includes hits by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Hunter Hayes, The Highwomen, and many more, as well as her 12 solo albums. Her original music has garnered several Americana and Grammy Award nominations.

Jim Selby, chief publishing executive at Concord says, “As both a songwriter and an artist, Lori McKenna has contributed to some of the most notable and groundbreaking hits in country music and beyond. Concord is honored to be chosen as the home for her catalog—our creative teams worldwide are looking forward to working closely with Lori, alongside Creative Nation and PULSE, to champion the hits still to come.”

“Working with Lori McKenna the past 5 years has been a dream come true. Her talent is undeniable and she continues to evolve and write some of the most iconic songs for our generation. We are so excited to continue working with her and to add PULSE and Concord as our publishing partners in this next chapter,” Beth Laird, co-founder and CEO of Creative Nation, adds.

Scott Cutler, co-CEO, PULSE Music Group sums, “Lori is one of the most authentic and widely respected writers on the planet—she has such a special talent. PULSE has had the honor of being a part of her story through our partnership with Beth and the Creative Nation team. We are so excited to partner with Beth and Concord on this next chapter and to continue to be a part of Lori’s future—this is a music publishing dream team!”

New ‘Willie Nelson And Family’ Docuseries In The Works

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Willie Nelson. Photo: Pamela Springsteen

Production is underway on a new docuseries Willie Nelson and Family, from Blackbird Presents and Sight Unseen Pictures, that will chronicle the extraordinary life and career of the country legend.

Emmy and Grammy award-winning filmmaker Thom Zimny and Academy Award-nominated and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Oren Moverman are co-directors of this multi-part docuseries. Nelson and his family and friends are providing exclusive participation and access to his archives for the series, and filming is taking place in Austin, Maui, Nashville, L.A. and New York.

The project was developed by Nelson’s longtime manager Mark Rothbaum and Blackbird Presents Founder/Chief Creative Officer Keith Wortman, who have collaborated on several award-winning film, TV and music projects. Executive Producers on the docuseries are Wortman, Rothbaum, Annie Nelson, Julia Lebedev, Eddie Vaisman and Leonid Lebedev.

“Telling Willie’s story has been a lifelong dream of ours, and we feel privileged to realize this dream with Thom, Oren and Sight Unseen,” says Rothbaum and Wortman.

“Words like ‘honored,’ ‘excited’ and ‘humbled’ don’t come close to describing the way we feel about being entrusted with telling Willie’s story. And what a story it is! We are celebrating the music, the career, the long road, the family, friends and history. But, more than anything, we are piecing together a narrative – one never before seen in its entirety – about an extraordinary man with a unique ability to bring people together; folks of all races, orientations, genders, political ideologies and musical leanings. These days, we sure could use the healing powers of Willie Nelson,” adds Zimny and Moverman.

At 88, Nelson is still going strong. In the last year alone he has led major online concert fundraisers for Farm Aid and the Austin Community Foundation and was the voice of 13 major sports leagues as part of the Ad Council’s national ad campaign on vaccination awareness. The legend also released a No. 1 album, That’s Life, that paid homage to his favorite Frank Sinatra songs, released his latest book Willie Nelson’s Letters to America, and was celebrated in a music special Willie Nelson: American Outlaw on A&E.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Trace Adkins, Tyler Farr, MaRynn Taylor

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Country artists are celebrating summertime this week.

Jeff Bates, Adam Doleac, Kylie Trout, Walker Hayes, Sam Williams and, especially Tebey with Una Healy all have open-air, sunshiney tunes. So does our DisCovery Award winner, MaRynn Taylor.

For that matter, toss in the dynamite, life-affirming Trace Adkins performance. It’s not about summer, but it will sure make you feel warm inside. It earns this edition’s Disc of the Day prize.

JUSTIN FABUS & CHAPEL HART / “Run”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: JF
— His somewhat light tenor voice is bolstered considerably by the female trio’s harmonies. The song’s lyric is wordy and awkward. But there is promise here, so keep trying.

TRACE ADKINS / “The Way I Wanna Go”
Writers: Barry Dean/Troy Verges/T.J. Osborne/John Osborne; Producer: Jon Coleman; Label: Verge
— Nicely produced. A deliriously rhythmic swirl of keyboads & guitars envelope an epic expressive performance. The song looks at a life well lived by a proud man who has loved and fought, worked and danced, soared and sung. Hang on for the gusto coda. This mini masterpiece is the title tune of Trace’s album, which drops next month.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Kids”
Writers: Boots Ottestad/Eric Arjes/Hank Compton; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: Mercury Nashville
— Wafting, airy and youthful. Lovely listening. Keith Urban provides the guitar work. Sam is the grandson of the legendary Hank Williams and his upcoming album also features a collaboration with Dolly (”Happy All the Time”) and co-writes with Dan Auerbach and Jaren Johnston. Look for it on Aug. 20.

TEBEY & UNA HEALY / “Song of the Summer”
Writers: Danick Dupelle/Jimmy Thow/Tebey Ottoh; Producer: Tebey/Danick Dupelle; Label: Tebey
— Singer-songwriter Tebey has enjoyed a string of Gold and Platinum hits in his Canadian homeland. He has also been building a solid European following. Una is an Irish country-pop star. She harmonizes splendidly with his hearty, handsome lead vocal on this fresh sounding country rocker. The catchy, joyous, beautifully layered production deserves to become an anthem of this warm season.

KYLIE TROUT / “American Summer”
Writers: Kylie Trout/Dalton Baird/Jason Hamor; Producer: Bill McDermott; Label: KT
— Speaking of summer, this Radio Disney starlet and TikTok fave offers this entry as her tune for the season. Her thin, wispy voice can barely carry it.

ADAM DOLEAC / “Key to the City”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Casey Brown/Jesse Lee Levin; Producer: Casey Brown; Label: Arista Nashville
— We got life by the tail, so let’s take off and rock this town. We’re out for a good time, so look out world. Infectious.

WALKER HAYES / “Fancy Like”
Writers: Shane Stevens/Walker Hayes/Cameron Bartolini/Joshua Cole Jenkins; Producer: Shane McAnally; Label: Monument
— Country rap with the theme of poor-folks’ pleasures. This breezy little outing looks like it has a strong start on pop radio.

BRANDON LAY / “Broke”
Writers: Brandon Lay/Dean Dillon; Producer: Jonathan Singleton; Label: EMI Nashville
— It’s a cool song about a busted relationship, using a kaput car as a metaphor. He sings it well, but the choruses are over produced.

ERIN ENDERLIN / “Somebody’s Shot of Whiskey”
Writers: Erin Enderlin/Ben Chapman; Producer: Erin Enderlin; Label: Black Crow
— She’s an old-school traditionalist who sings of swimming upstream here. “I’d rather be somebody’s shot of whiskey/Than everybody’s cup of tea,” she avers, while a fiddle saws and a steel cries. A splash of clear, clean mountain water on the pancake makeup face of Music Row.

TYLER FARR / “Cover Girl”
Writers: Tyler Farr/Blake Bollinger/Ben Stennis; Producer: Jason Aldean/Kurt Allison/Tully Kennedy; Label: BBR/Night Train
— This is about escaping a domestic-violence situation. Farr performs the troubling, empowering lyric with lots of emotion, and the video ends with help-line information. Recommended listening.

MaRYNN TAYLOR / “I Know a Girl”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Jimmy Robbins/Shelley Skidmore; Producer: Doug Johnson & Jimmy Robbins; Label: Black River
— Roll down the windows, turn it up and head out on a country road. This soaring offering of love and fun has everything it takes. Wonderfully well written, sung with moxie and produced to perfection.

JEFF BATES / “Friends With Boats”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: JB
— A beachy, good-time page from the Buffett playbook.

NSAI Sets Nashville Songwriter Awards For September

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The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) will hold its annual Nashville Songwriter Awards on Sept. 14, 2021. The 4th annual awards, presented by City National Bank, will be held as a private event at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater.

The event will include performances honoring the Song, Songwriter, and Songwriter-Artist of the Year, the Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the Decade (2010-2019), as well as the ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written,’ awards, given to the top voted songs chosen by fellow professional songwriters as exceptional songs they wish they had penned.

This year Sony Music Publishing Chairman & CEO Jon Platt will be honored with NSAI’s President’s Keystone Award, given in recognition of significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters.

“Our deepest thanks go to Sony Music Publishing Chairman/CEO Jon Platt for enabling the half million-dollar donation that allowed NSAI to create the non-profit, tax-exempt WRITER Foundation. The Foundation quickly and efficiently got critically-needed grant funds into the hands of American songwriters and composers,” says NSAI President Steve Bogard. “Jon stepped up to help at the height of the financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Live performances were shut down and royalty checks were impacted. The $1,000 grants NSAI was able to distribute through Sony’s generosity helped songwriters who really needed it pay their bills.”

“We are so pleased to be back in person this year after presenting an entirely virtual awards event last year,” says NSAI Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Turnbow. “The more intimate setting will provide an opportunity for industry colleagues to gather and celebrate together, many for the first time in over a year. This year’s show promises to be memorable in many ways and it is our privilege to be able to partner with City National Bank again to celebrate songwriters in such a grand way.”

“Congratulations to all of this year’s Nashville Songwriter Award winners, and thank you for making our lives better by creating such wonderful songs,” adds Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett, heads of Entertainment Banking for City National Bank in Nashville, in a joint statement. “City National has a long history of supporting songwriters and the creative community. We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s winners with NSAI in person once again after everything the industry has been through over the past year and a half.” City National is a leading entertainment industry bank that provides personalized financial services to more than 80% of the country music industry in Nashville.

Official 2021 Nashville Songwriter Awards Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor City National Bank, Academy of Country Music, Jack Daniel’s, Loeb & Loeb, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), SoundExchange, Tennessee Association of Broadcasters.