Big Loud recording artist Larry Fleet has launched a new podcast, Highway Feet With Larry Fleet.
The podcast will feature his band mates Crazy Legs and West Hall, who have become fan-favorites on the road. The first episode features the trio reminiscing on the origins of their careers and friendship, trading stories about a near-death experience, road tales and more.
New episodes will air every Wednesday at 4 a.m. CT. Listen to the first episode here.
Pictured (clockwise): Jade Eagleson, MacKenzie Porter, Josh Ross and The Reklaws
The Canadian Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 2024 CCMA Awards, presented by TD.
The event will return to Edmonton for the first time in a decade, marking its eighth time in the city. Hosted by eight-time ACM and two-time CMA Award winner Thomas Rhett and two-time CCMA Award winner MacKenzie Porter, the ceremony will be broadcast live from Rogers Place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Sporting six nominations each, Porter and Jade Eagleson lead the pack, with The Reklaws and Josh Ross close behind with five nominations apiece. Touting four nominations are High Valley, Owen Riegling and Dallas Smith.
CCMA’s Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year nominees include Hailey Benedict, Dax, Teigen Gayse, Matt Lang and Riegling. Also announced are the 2024 Fans’ Choice nominees, which include Dean Brody, Eagleson, High Valley, James Barker Band, Tyler Joe Miller, Steven Lee Olsen, Porter, The Reklaws, Ross and Smith.
Country Music Week 2024 kicks off in Edmonton on Wednesday, Sept. 11 with celebrations culminating with the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD featuring performances from Dasha, Brett Kissel, The Reklaws, Porter, Rhett and Smith, with more announcements to come.
Fans can vote for their favorite artist by casting their vote at ccmafanvote.com or by using the appropriate hashtag on X. Click here to see the list of nominees in the Musician, Radio and Industry categories.
Entertainer of the Year presented by Edmonton’s Best Hotels
Jade Eagleson
MacKenzie Porter
The Reklaws
Owen Riegling
Josh Ross
Ford F-150 Album of the Year
Complicated – Josh Ross
Dallas Smith – Dallas Smith
Do It Anyway – Jade Eagleson
Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart – MacKenzie Porter
Spillin’ My Truth – Tyler Joe Miller
Fans’ Choice
Dean Brody
Jade Eagleson
High Valley
James Barker Band
Tyler Joe Miller
Steven Lee Olsen
MacKenzie Porter
The Reklaws
Josh Ross
Dallas Smith
Female Artist of the Year
Lindsay Ell
Madeline Merlo
MacKenzie Porter
Tenille Townes
Alli Walker
Group or Duo of the Year
High Valley
Hunter Brothers
James Barker Band
The Reklaws
The Washboard Union
Musical Collaboration of the Year
Cowboy Boots (feat. Gord Bamford) – Chris Buck Band, Gord Bamford
Day After Day – Dallas Smith, Shawn Austin
Honky Tonkin’ About – The Reklaws, Drake Milligan
Take Me Backroad – Tim & The Glory Boys feat. High Valley
Two of Us – Brett Kissel, Cooper Alan
Male Artist of the Year
Dean Brody
Jade Eagleson
Owen Riegling
Josh Ross
Dallas Smith
Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year
Hailey Benedict
Dax
Teigen Gayse
Matt Lang
Owen Riegling
Alternative Country Album of the Year
12 to 6 Central – The Western Swing Authority
BOOTCUT – Bahamas
The Compass Project: West Album – Brett Kissel
Stand In The Joy – William Prince
A Way Through Time – JJ Shiplett
Single of the Year
Chasing Tornadoes – MacKenzie Porter
Meet Your Mama – James Barker Band
Outta Yours – Steven Lee Olsen
Rodeo Queen – Jade Eagleson
Trouble – Josh Ross
Songwriter(s) of the Year
Country Dance (Artist: Aaron Goodvin) – Aaron Goodvin, Catt Gravitt, Skip Black
Hey Mom I Made It (Artist: Sacha) – Sacha Visagie, Shawn Chambliss, Jake Saghi
Old Dirt Roads (Artist: Owen Riegling) – Owen Riegling
Rodeo Queen (Artist: Jade Eagleson) – Jade Eagleson, Daryl Scott
Whiskey In Colorado (Artist: Tony Stevens) – Tony Stevens, Dan Swinimer, Wes Mack, David Borys
Video of the Year
Chasing Tornadoes – MacKenzie Porter
Honky Tonkin’ About – The Reklaws, Drake Milligan
Take Me Backroad – Tim & The Glory Boys ft. High Valley
Trouble Is – The Prairie States
Two of Us – Brett Kissel & Cooper Alan
The Third Annual Annapolis Songwriters Festival is set to take place Sept. 12–15 in Annapolis, Maryland. Presented by Rams Head in partnership with BMI and Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, the four-day function will include ticketed performances and free showcases, inspired by its longstanding sister, the Key West Songwriters Festival.
The festival will kick off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Rams Head Tavern with four hours of free live music on the patio, and continue in over 15 venues across downtown Annapolis until Sunday, Sept. 15.
Those slated for ticketed shows include Johnnyswim, Natalie Hemby, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Kimberly Perry, Abby Cone, Lee Brice and Will Jones, among others. Free showcases will be scattered along a walkable “songwriters trail,” highlighting local restaurants, shops and landmarks from Maryland Hall to downtown’s City Dock. Along with BMI talent, the festival will feature more than 40 Annapolis songwriters. The full free-show schedule will be released in early September.
Additionally, this year’s event will introduce songwriting workshops at Maryland Hall as well as a Bose Sound Experience. More details will be announced at a later date.
“We are thrilled to present this event for a third year in Annapolis. This festival has grown to be a highlight of the fall season, and one both locals and tourists look forward to,” says Kyle Muehlhauser, Annapolis Songwriters Festival Co-Owner. “There’s nowhere else in this region where festival attendees can experience the faces, names and stories behind the industry’s biggest hits.”
Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
The SEC Network has tapped Brooke Eden to refresh the theme song and opening sequence for SEC Nation, its weekly, traveling pre-game show.
The update comes as the SEC Network celebrates its 10th anniversary as well as a new era for the Southeastern Conference with the additions of Oklahoma and Texas. SEC Nation debuted in 2014 with a customized rendition of Robert Randolph & The Family Band’s “Take The Party” as its opening theme song. Randolph worked with network producers to develop an SEC-centric version of the song that complemented the show’s goal of bringing the sights and sounds of a SEC football tailgate to viewers every Saturday. A decade later, Eden has put her twist on the tune with a new sound and original lyrics to include the Sooners and Longhorns.
“It’s such a privilege to get the opportunity to put my mark on the SEC Nation theme song and opening sequence,” she says. “I’m so grateful for the chance to engage with fans and celebrate the passion of college football through a song that means so much to each of us. I grew up right here in the SEC, so these games make me feel at home even when I’m on the road.”
Viewers will hear the full revamped number the night before the first show of the 2024 season, when Eden releases it across all streaming and music platforms at midnight on Aug. 30. The theme song and opening tease will premiere at 9 a.m. CT on Aug. 31, when SEC Nation travels to Gainesville to see the Florida Gators take on the Miami Hurricanes.
CMT Giants: Alabama, the two-hour special celebrating the career and music of the famous country group, is set to air Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. CT exclusively on CMT.
During the celebration, stars such as Blake Shelton, Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Riley Green and Sam Hunt pay tribute to Alabama by performing some their biggest hits.
Evander Holyfield, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, Vince Gill and more appear both in-person and virtually to share personal stories and detail the band’s impact on music. The special will also include rare photos, performance footage and interviews from the vault as well as a new discussion with Alabama themselves reflecting on their storied career.
The show’s Executive Producers include CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and Taillight’s Tom Forrest, and its Executives in Charge of Production consist of Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino. Leslie Fram serves as Executive in Charge of Talent, with Suzanne Bender and Donna Duncan as Talent Producers.
Additionally, Alabama is currently on their “Roll On II North America Tour,” which stops in Nashville tomorrow (July 19) with special guests Gary Allan and comedian Dusty Slay.
Just three short months after releasing $10 Cowboy, neo-traditional country artist Charley Crockett will drop his second album of 2024 titled $10 Cowboy Chapter II: Visions of Dallas on July 22 via Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers.
The album will function as a companion piece to $10 Cowboy and feature 10 new songs and two favorites “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “How Low Can You Go.” Along with this, Crockett will drop a cover of “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky” on the Twisters soundtrack, releasing tomorrow (July 19) via Atlantic records.
“We recorded the songs during the same sessions as $10 Cowboy down at Arlyn Studios in Austin,” explains Crockett. “Could have released a double record. But then Taylor Grace wrote ‘Visions of Dallas’ in a hotel room overlooking that city. She thought about my relationship to Dallas and the great state of Texas in general, and suggested we do a second album where all the songs tie back to Dallas and Texas. The result is ‘Visions of Dallas.'”
“For a truly independent artist like myself, there are no rules anymore,” Crockett continues. “Why release ‘Visions of Dallas’ now? To indulge myself in artistic freedom. The days of 18-to-24-month release cycles have gone the way of the dinosaur. I’ll have my 14th studio album out next week, and every single one has been released how and when I wanted them to. I see no reason to change now.”
Along with $10 Cowboy’s impressive No. 1 debut on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, Crockett will continue his banner year headlining “The $10 Cowboy Tour” at venues such as Red Rocks, the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, the Salt Shed in Chicago, the new Brooklyn Paramount and the Ryman Auditorium.
Jesse Atwell
Jesse Atwell has launched Atwell Management, a new artist management firm. Prior to launching his new company, he held positions at Sony Music Entertainment, Triple 8 Management and Razor & Tie Records. Most recently, he was CMO at SongVest.
“I look forward to serving talented artists who seek to make change and challenge the status quo,” says Atwell. “It’s more important than ever—in this rapidly changing landscape—to utilize all available tools, strategies, and resources to break new artists and grow existing careers. Atwell Management is committed to using data and cutting-edge marketing strategies to serve artists in new and engaging ways to help them grow their overall businesses.”
Atwell can be reached at jesse@atwellmgmt.com.
Cody Johnson Performed National Anthem at MLB All-Star Game on July 17 at Globe Life Field. Photo: Jay Trevino
Cody Johnson performed the National Anthem at the 2024 MLB All-Star game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas last night (July 17).
He will return to the home of the Texas Rangers when he brings his “Leather Tour” to the stadium on Nov. 9. Jon Pardi joins the date as special guest.
Eric Church with the No. 60 Honda Indy Car of Meyer Shank Racing. Photo: Meyer Shank Racing
Eric Church was at the Indy Car races in Iowa Speedway last weekend, where he checked 0ut the No. 60 Honda Indy Car of Meyer Shank Racing, which bore the logo of his SiriusXM channel, Outsiders Radio.
SiriusXM’s Outsiders Radio channel is curated by Church himself, and is a journey through his musical experiences and showcases music from his career, including his vast catalog of nearly two decades. Prior to having his own SiriusXM channel, Church hosted an exclusive monthly show, Outsiders Radio, that launched in 2015 on SiriusXM’s The Highway.
Chris Janson performs at the Hodag Country Festival
Chris Janson recently closed out the Hodag Country Festival, where the fans were in high spirits chanting along to every word of his multi-Platinum hit “Buy Me A Boat.” While finishing his set, he invited all side-stage and VIP attendees to join him on stage to join in the fun.
“Country music is for the fans, and I have the best fans! This is real America,” said Janson. “This is real country music. The energy all around me felt so united and wonderful I just decided to have them all on stage.”
Avery Anna with fans
Avery Anna hosted a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience on Tuesday (July 16) that gave attendees a peek inside the world of her forthcoming debut album, Breakup Over Breakfast, out this Friday (July 19).
The all-day event at FlyghtHouse in Nashville welcomed industry partners and influencers on a self-guided, open-house walk-through exploring each uniquely themed floor: Sweet, Sour & SAVERY. Anna also invited a select number of lucky fans to attend an exclusive “AntipiTEAparty” at day’s end, featuring a first-listen of her album from start to finish.
Ella Langley performing at BMI’s “Rooftop On The Row” series event. Photo: Erika Rock for BMI
BMI hosted its third “Rooftop On The Row” event of the year, featuring Ella Langley and Redferrin, on Tuesday night (July 16) for a packed house of industry professionals.
Redferrin performing at BMI’s “Rooftop On The Row” series event. Photo: Erika Rock for BMI
Langley kicked off the evening with “Paint the Town Blue,” followed by two unreleased tracks “Better Be Tough” and “Cowgirl Don’t Cry” from her debut album, Hungover, out Aug. 2. Langley surprised the crowd by welcoming Kameron Marlowe onstage for their current single “Strangers,” and treated everyone to a solo rendition of her viral hit with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me.”
DJ Smoke kept the energy high between each set, and BMI’s Mason Hunter served as emcee. Free food and beverages were provided by the evening’s sponsors Delta Air Lines, Gallagher Insurance, ONErpm, Red Bull Jukebox, Texas Roadhouse, Topo Chico, White Claw and Yeti.
Redferrin closed out the night with a blend of traditional country and modern influences. The Tennessee native performed tracks from his debut EP, Old No.7, such as “Lose Her For Nothin,'” “Champagne In The Morning” and “Just Like Johnny,” which has already garnered 30 million streams. He also teased a string of unreleased songs, including “As Long As There’s A Bar.”
Presented by George Dickel, the “Rooftop On The Row” series returns on Aug. 13 with Josh Ross and Lauren Watkins. The final event on Sept. 17 will officially kick off AmericanaFest. Those set to perform will be announced in the coming weeks.
Pictured (L–R): BMI’s Claire Dodelin, Josh Tomlinson, Leslie Roberts, Clay Bradley, Ella Langley, Redferrin, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Mason Hunter and Nina Carter. Photo: Erika Rock for BMI
Pictured (L–R): UMPG Nashville’s Roxy King, Solon Holt and UMPG Nashville’s Troy Tomlinson. Photo: Courtesy of UMPG Nashville
UMPG Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Solon Holt to an exclusive global publishing agreement.
The 20-year-old got his start in the Piney Woods of Texas. As the youngest in a family with a rich musical heritage, Holt was exposed to various genres, including classical, blues, jazz, folk, pop, country and bluegrass. However, it was the time he spent as a teen playing gospel music in an all-Black church each Sunday that helped him to curate his sound.
“Solon exemplifies wisdom beyond his years in every aspect. His songwriting and musical prowess are a true reflection of his upbringing and have an authenticity that cannot be taught,” says Roxy King, Senior Director, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “Solon has an amazing journey ahead of him, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
“I would like to thank UMPG for their vision and belief in me,” adds Holt. “I am truly honored to be a part of such a writer-focused team. It means everything to me.”
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) unveiled the nominees for the 35th annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards today (July 17) during a live event at the SiriusXM studios in Nashville.
Reigning Entertainer of the Year Billy Strings earned nominations in multiple categories alongside Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Sister Sadie, Authentic Unlimited and more.
IBMA has also announced Alan Munde, Jerry Douglas and Katy Daley as the latest Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductees, and Cindy Baucom, Laurie Lewis, Richard Hurst, ArtistWorks and Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival as the IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award recipients.
The full list of IBMA Bluegrass Music Award categories and nominees is available below:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Del McCoury Band
Sister Sadie
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Authentic Unlimited
Sister Sadie
Blue Highway
Del McCoury Band
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Travelin’ McCourys
East Nash Grass
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Fall in Tennessee” – Authentic Unlimited
Songwriters: John Meador/Bob Minner
Producer: Authentic Unlimited
Label: Billy Blue Records
“Willow” – Sister Sadie
Songwriter: Ashley McBryde
Producer: Sister Sadie
Label: Mountain Home
“Too Lonely, Way Too Long” – Rick Faris with Del McCoury
Songwriter: Rick Faris
Producer: Stephen Mougin
Label: Dark Shadow Recording
“Forever Young” – Daniel Grindstaff with Paul Brewster & Dolly Parton
Songwriters: Jim Cregan/Kevin Savigar/Bob Dylan/Rod Stewart
Producer: Daniel Grindstaff
Label: Bonfire Music Group
“Kentucky Gold” – Dale Ann Bradley with Sam Bush
Songwriters: Wayne Carson/Ronnie Reno
Producer: Dale Ann Bradley
Label: Pinecastle
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
City of Gold – Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Producers: Jerry Douglas/Molly Tuttle
Label: Nonesuch
Last Chance to Win – East Nash Grass
Producer: East Nash Grass
Label: Mountain Fever
Jubilation – Appalachian Road Show
Producer: Appalachian Road Show
Label: Billy Blue Records
No Fear – Sister Sadie
Producer: Sister Sadie
Label: Mountain Home
So Much for Forever – Authentic Unlimited
Producer: Authentic Unlimited
Label: Billy Blue Records
GOSPEL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“When I Get There” – Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Songwriter: Michael Feagan
Producer: Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Label: Independent
“Thank You Lord for Grace” – Authentic Unlimited
Songwriter: Jerry Cole
Producer: Authentic Unlimited
Label: Billy Blue Records
“Just Beyond” – Barry Abernathy with John Meador, Tim Raybon, Bradley Walker
Songwriters: Rick Lang/Mike Richards/Windi Robinson
Producer: Jerry Salley
Label: Billy Blue Records
“God Already Has” – Dale Ann Bradley
Songwriter: Mark “Brink” Brinkman/David Stewart
Producer: Dale Ann Bradley
Label: Pinecastle
“Memories of Home” – Authentic Unlimited
Songwriter: Jerry Cole
Producer: Authentic Unlimited
Label: Billy Blue Records
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Rhapsody in Blue(grass)” – Béla Fleck
Songwriter: George Gershwin arr. Ferde Grofé/Béla Fleck
Producer: Béla Fleck
Label: Béla Fleck Productions/Thirty Tigers
“Knee Deep in Bluegrass” – Ashby Frank
Songwriter: Terry Baucom
Producer: Ashby Frank
Label: Mountain Home
“Panhandle Country” – Missy Raines & Allegheny
Songwriter: Bill Monroe
Producer: Alison Brown
Label: Compass Records
“Lloyd’s of Lubbock” – Alan Munde
Songwriter: Alan Munde
Producer: Billy Bright
Label: Patuxent
“Behind the 8 Ball” – Andy Leftwich
Songwriter: Andy Leftwich
Producer: Andy Leftwich
Label: Mountain Home
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
East Nash Grass
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
AJ Lee & Blue Summit
Wyatt Ellis
The Kody Norris Show
COLLABORATIVE RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Brown’s Ferry Blues” – Tony Trischka featuring Billy Strings
Songwriters: Alton Delmore/Rabon Delmore
Producer: Béla Fleck
Label: Down the Road
“Fall in Tennessee” – Authentic Unlimited with Jerry Douglas
Songwriters: John Meador/Bob Minner
Producer: Authentic Unlimited
Label: Billy Blue Records
“Forever Young” – Daniel Grindstaff with Paul Brewster, Dolly Parton
Songwriters: Jim Cregan/Kevin Savigar/Bob Dylan/Rod Stewart
Producer: Daniel Grindstaff
Label: Bonfire Music Group
“Bluegrass Radio” – Alison Brown and Steve Martin
Songwriters: Steve Martin/Alison Brown
Producers: Alison Brown/Garry West
Label: Compass Records
“Too Old to Die Young” – Bobby Osborne and CJ Lewandowski
Songwriters: Scott Dooley/John Hadley/Kevin Welch
Producer: CJ Lewandowski
Label: Turnberry Records
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dan Tyminski
Greg Blake
Del McCoury
Danny Paisley
Russell Moore
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Molly Tuttle
Jaelee Roberts
Dale Ann Bradley
AJ Lee
Rhonda Vincent
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kristin Scott Benson
Gena Britt
Alison Brown
Béla Fleck
Rob McCoury
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Missy Raines
Mike Bub
Vickie Vaughn
Todd Phillips
Mark Schatz
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jason Carter
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Michael Cleveland
Stuart Duncan
Deanie Richardson
RESOPHONIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Justin Moses
Rob Ickes
Jerry Douglas
Andy Hall
Gaven Largent
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings
Molly Tuttle
Trey Hensley
Bryan Sutton
Cody Kilby
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Sierra Hull
Sam Bush
Ronnie McCoury
Jesse Brock
Alan Bibey
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Willow” – Sister Sadie
Label: Mountain Home
“Fall in Tennessee” – Authentic Unlimited
Label: Billy Blue Records
“The City of New Orleans” – Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
Label: Upper Management Music
“I Call Her Sunshine” – The Kody Norris Show
Label: Rebel Records
“Alberta Bound” – Special Consensus with Ray Legere, John Reischman, Patrick Sauber, Trisha Gagnon, Pharis & Jason Romero, and Claire Lynch
Label: Compass Records