DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Young ‘Swoons With Emotion’

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Chris Young. Photo: John Shearer

You might have springtime in your step, but the sounds in this week’s DISClaimer are dominated by downbeat ballads.

By far the best of them belongs to Chris Young, who easily nails down the Disc of the Day award.

The DISCovery Award goes to Wayland. I believe this used to be a rock band, but now seems to be a country duo. In any case, lend these guys your ears.

WAYLAND / “Way Back When”
Writers: Mitch Arnold/Phill Vilenski/Sam Varga/Caleb Oczkowski; Producers: Phillip Vilenski/Kate Malone; Label: Ironworks
– It’s a big-sounding, oomphy power ballad with hooks a-plenty. Lead singer Mitch Arnold has an endearing, youthful warmth and Phill Vilenski’s lead guitar work and harmony vocal are both razor sharp. Highly listenable.

CHRIS JANSON / “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”
Writers: Blake Hubbard/Chris Janson/Jarrod Ingram/RaeLynn/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Scott Borchetta/Julian Raymond; Label: Nashville Harbor
– Fishin.’ Deer huntin.’ Drivin’ trucks through mud. Wearin’ camo. Drinkin’ beer. Ho hum.

MICKEY GUYTON / “Woman”
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Victor Franco/Oliver Frid/Kameron Glasper/Tayla Parx; Producers: Tayla Parx/Oliver Frid/Victor Franco; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Her piercing singing is absolutely gripping on this empowering female anthem. The echoey production underscores the drama.

LONESTAR / “You Make Loving Fun”
Writer: Christine McVie; Producer: Dean Sams; Label: Band Cave Records
– The 1977 Fleetwood Mac hit gets a dandy countrified remake with a solid beat and some snappy picking. I don’t usually go for this kind of thing, because bands ordinarily mimic the original. But this is a marvelous reinterpretation that turns a classic inside out, splendidly.

SARAHBETH TAITE / “Pretty Good Living”
Writers: Sarahbeth Taite/Jason Gantt/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Parker Welling; Label: ST
– It says here that this single is “resonating with Taite’s Suburban Country Lifestyle fan base.” I wasn’t aware that there was a “suburban country lifestyle” demographic, but apparently there is. The lyric is about contented living in a little house with babies and a hubby. So there you have it.

CHRIS YOUNG / “What She Sees In Me”
Writers: Chris Young/Christian Stalnecker/Josh Hoge/Kyle Fishman/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Chris Young; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– His country baritone grabs you from the first note. The ultra-romantic ballad swoons with emotion. Love this. Love him.

DAVID MALLOY / “A Brand New Day”
Writer: David Malloy; Producers: Paul Lancaster Childers/David Malloy; Label: Creative People Music LLC
– Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Malloy has been producing hits for others for decades. His solo album Mirror drops on April 26. It contains this jaunty pop bopper that is as sweet as soda pop. Be sure and check out its candy-colored,  surrealistic video costarring his black German shepherd doggie, DJ.

T.G. SHEPPARD & KELLY LANG / “You’re Still The One”
Writers: Robert John “Mutt” Lange/Shania Twain; Producers: T.G. Sheppard/Kelly Lang; Label: Leopard Entertainment
– These vets turn the monumental 1998 Shania Twain ballad into a romantic duet. Kelly takes the soaring lead with T.G. shadowing her in harmony.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Hard Luck & Circumstances”
Writer: Charley Crockett; Producers: Charley Crockett/Billy Horton; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
– The prolific Mr. Crockett will issue another new album next month. In advance of it is this lonesome lament about the weary life of a wanderer. He’s been dubbed “one of the modern kings of country traditionalism,” and this certainly sounds apt.

SARA EVANS / “Pride”
Writers: Sara Evans/Sean McConnell/Madi Diaz; Producers: Jeff Trott/Sara Evans; Label: Melody Place/Born To Fly
– He mistreats her, but can’t understand why she’s leaving. Evans delivers the ballad with tension and tear stains. Well worth your spins.

CATIE OFFERMAN / “Barely A Two Lane Road”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Rodney Clawson/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Dan Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
– Sweet heartache colors this nostalgic recollection of first love. Fiddles saw and mandolins ripple to drive the no-regrets ballad forward.

DILLON JAMES / “My Shadow”
Writers: Dillon James/Marty James/Matthew Joseph Geroux/Frank Romano; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: UMG/Buena Vista Records/19
– He’s living an anguished, lonely, rolling-stone life, but the ballad hopes for redemption. Even with four writers on board, this needs some help in the melody department.

Big Loud Records Signs Distribution Deal With Mercury Records/Republic

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Big Loud Records has signed a new multi-year distribution deal with Mercury Records/Republic.

In the past, only releases from Big Loud Records artists Morgan Wallen, Lily Rose and Dylan Gossett were involved in the partnership, while the rest of the label’s roster was distributed through Stem and Amped.

Big Loud Founders & Partners Seth England, Craig Wiseman and Joey Moi sent a memo to their staff regarding the new deal, and expressed their gratitude for Stem and Amped, stating: “Both teams have been an integral part of our growth story and remain a highly recommended distribution and artist resources solution for self-determined artists and companies. We remain proud investors of Stem to this day.”

The memo continued: “The Big Loud partners and executive leadership team are immeasurably proud of what this roster and staff have accomplished over the past eight years. Our songs, albums, artists and company have seen the top slots of nearly every chart in our format. Best of all, we’ve earned those accolades with integrity. We’re reaching new heights with broadened creative ventures and international outposts leading our growth into new genres and markets. With this next chapter, we are thrilled to elevate with a like-minded, best-in-class team that’s effectively been the No. 1 all-genre record label in the business for the last decade. Rest assured, Mercury Records/Republic both mirrors and supports our renegade spirit.

“This partnership allows for Big Loud Records to remain fiercely independent while leveraging their global distribution and resources, as needed, to best serve our world-class roster. Artists and our staff will see increased creative opportunities, robust international support, new multimedia partnerships, additional multi-format promotion muscle and merchandising resources, among many other benefits. And to clarify: Big Loud Records has not been acquired in any way. Our full staff will remain intact and will continue to lead with the artists we represent.”

Trisha Yearwood Celebrates 25 Years As An Opry Member

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Pictured (L-R): Terri Clark, Trisha Yearwood, Pam Tillis and Suzy Bogguss celebrate Yearwood’s 25th Opry anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Trisha Yearwood celebrated a milestone as she marked her 25th Anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member Wednesday night (March 13).

Trisha Yearwood celebrates her 25th Opry anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

The star performed during the special evening and collaborated with each member of the all-female guest cast personally chosen by Yearwood, consisting of friends Suzy Bogguss, Terri Clark and Pam Tillis. 

“Tonight is special because I asked my girlfriends to come out and sing. I’m so excited to perform with them,” she said during her performance. “The thing about the Opry is this family is always here. Even the members who have passed on; they’re with you. When you are standing in that circle nervous—and this is the only stage I get nervous on because of the history—the circle is like ‘we got you.’”

Highlights of Yearwood’s 25th Anniversary will air on March 30 on Opry Live. Fans can watch on the Opry Facebook and YouTube channels, stream free on the Circle Now app, or tune in via Circle country digital streaming partners.

Yearwood was inducted into the Opry family on March 13, 1999 by legendary Opry member Porter Wagoner, who said during the moment, “She’s the best I’ve ever heard.”

BREAKING: Black River Entertainment Names Bill Macky As VP, National Promotion

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Bill Macky. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Entertainment has named Bill Macky as VP, National Promotion. The appointment follows the news of SVP, Promotion, Mike Wilson‘s resignation from the company earlier this month.

Macky joined Black River in 2012, and most recently served as Sr. Director, National Promotion & Strategy. He previously spent time at MCA Nashville, Sony Nashville, Category 5 Records, 1720 Entertainment, Stroudavarious Records and Rodeowave Entertainment in addition to 16 years programming country radio stations in Pittsburgh, San Jose, Sacramento and San Diego.

“Bill has always been the consummate professional who has been with Kelsea [Ballerini] from the beginning of her career,” says Rick Froio, EVP, Black River Entertainment. “I am grateful that he will be there for her next chapter and the careers of MaRynn Taylor, Pryor Baird and Scotty Hasting. His promotion to VP, National Promotion is well deserved!”

“My thanks to Gordon Kerr and Rick Froio for giving me this opportunity to lead our promotion team to the next level,” expresses Macky. “Our future is bright with new music coming from Kelsea Ballerini and continued development of our new artists. It’s the beginning of a new era, and I could not be more excited!”

William Michael Morgan Is ‘Onto Something’ With Latest EP

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Photo: Sean McGee

William Michael Morgan is dropping his new six-song EP Onto Something tomorrow (March 15) via ONErpm Nashville.

The artist has already released two tracks from the project, “In Walked You” and “Not Letting Go,” which set the tone for the set layered with fiddle and steel evocative of country music’s past.

Morgan’s current single “Pour A Little Whiskey On It” is a drinking song that seeks to right the wrongs with every cowboy’s favorite libation. He and producer Keith Stegall round the collection out with the title track, “She Don’t Like Old Country” and “The Sun Don’t Shine No More In Acapulco.” Writers contributing to the project include Randy Montana, Luke Laird, Josh Osborne, Sam Banks and more.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get this EP out,” says Morgan. “Tracking with Keith Stegall was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we put together.”

He will celebrate the EP’s release tonight with an hour-long pop-up set at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red in downtown Nashville.

Onto Something Track Listing:

1. “Pour A Little Whiskey On It” (Randy Montana, Luke Laird, Jeremy Spillman)
2. “Not Letting Go” (William Michael Morgan, Dan Hutson, Sam Banks)
3. “In Walked You” (Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
4. “She Don’t Like Old Country” (William Michael Morgan, Tony Lane, David Lee)
5. “Onto Something” (William Michael Morgan, Sam Banks, Dan Hutson)
6. “The Sun Don’t Shine No More In Acapulco” (Gregory Switzer)

Judah & The Lion Sign With Downtown Artist & Label Services

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Pictured (L-R): Judah Lee, Jeanette Porcello, Brian Victor Macdonald

Downtown Artist & Label Services has signed the Nashville-based, Platinum-certified, American folk band Judah & The Lion to its growing Nashville roster.

Signed by Senior Manager, A&R Jeanette Porcello, Downtown will spearhead the distribution, release strategy and marketing for the band’s future projects. The announcement coincides with an ongoing album rollout, with Judah & The Lion’s upcoming LP The Process scheduled for release on May 10.

“We’re excited to embark on this journey with Judah & the Lion,” says Porcello. “This band is a staple of Nashville’s vibrant music scene, and we knew Downtown Artist & Label Services had to work with them after getting an ear on the new music. Judah [Lee] and Brian [Victor Macdonald] are continuing to shape their trajectory, and have written a bold, beautiful new record that both current and new fans are going to cherish for the ages.”

The collaboration between Downtown and Judah & The Lion has already yielded success with recent singles, “Leave it Better Than You Found It” featuring Ruston Kelly, “Great Decisions” and “Is What It Is.” The band is no stranger to success, accumulating over 910 million career streams, achieving both Gold and Platinum certifications and landing six of their hit singles in the top 15 on Alternative radio. They were also honored with the iHeart Music Award for Best New Alt Rock Band of 2018.

Of the deal, Judah & The Lion shares, “From the get go, Downtown has shown to us that they fully understand our vision for this new record and have been supportive and proactive during this entire rollout. Jeanette, Channing [Mitzell] and team are a joy to work with, and we can’t wait to get this record out alongside Downtown.”

Downtown Artist & Label Services has continued to grow its Nashville division, seeing the release of projects such as Cheat Codes’ One Night In Nashville, Hunter Hayes’ Red Sky, Colbie Caillat’s Along The Way and Fancy Hagood’s Apple Radio show, Trailblazers.

CMA Fest 2024 Reveals Initial Star-Packed Lineup

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The initial lineup for the 51st CMA Fest in Nashville June 6-9 has been announced, and will include hundreds of artists across 10 stages throughout the festival, along with special meet-and-greet moments at Fan Fair X and unique activations along Broadway in Nashville.

The nightly shows at Nissan Stadium will include Kelsea Ballerini, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, The War And Treaty, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman. Additional collaborations and performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

Among the artists set to take the stage at The Chevy Riverfront are Ingrid Andress, Lauren Alaina, Brian Kelley, Matt Stell, The War And Treaty, Colbie Caillat, Chayce Beckham, Gavin DeGraw, George Birge, Breland, Dillon Carmichael, Jackson Dean, Eli Young Band, Cooper Alan, Larry Fleet, Wyatt Flores, Corey Kent, Locash, Kameron Marlowe, Drake Milligan, Niko Moon, Megan Moroney, Lily Rose, Anne Wilson, Warren Zeiders and many more.

The Dr Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park offers a lineup including Abby Anderson, Tenille Arts, Drew Baldridge, Craig Campbell, Mackenzie Carpenter, Abbey Cone, Dalton Dover, Emerson Drive, Tyler Farr, Mickey Guyton, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Home Free, Greylan James, Brett Kissel, David Nail, Ricochet, Shenandoah, Brittney Spencer, The United States Navy Band Country Current, Uncle Kracker, Lauren Watkins, Charlie Worsham and others.

The Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park is packed with performances from artists including Keith Anderson, Kassi Ashton, Tyler Braden, Blanco Brown, Kolby Cooper, Jade Eagleson, Carter Faith, HunterGirl, Lanco, Little Texas, Chase McDaniel, Chrissy Metz, Kylie Morgan, William Michael Morgan, Drew Parker, RaeLynn, Frank Ray, Dylan Schneider, The Castellows, Tigirlily Gold, Zach Top, Lathan Warlick, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley and more.

Hitting the Good Molecules Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza are artists Tanner Adell, Laci Kaye Booth, Karley Scott Collins, Dasha, David J, Brooke Eden, Kylie Frey, Ben Fuller, Harper Grace, Bryce Leatherwood, Lecade, Madeline Merlo, Walker Montgomery, John Morgan, Neon Union, Griffen Palmer, Peytan Porter, Mason Ramsey, Redferrin, Emily Ann Roberts, RVSHVD, Shaboozey, Dallas Smith, Payton Smith, Austin Williams, Sam Williams, Jake Worthington, Chase Wright and others.

The Hard Rock Stage returns for a second straight year, with both daytime and nighttime shows featuring Sammy Arriaga, Annie Bosko, Ben Chapman, Ashland Craft, Logan Crosby, Mae Estes, Flat River Band, Fancy Hagood, Tyler Halverson, Noah Hicks, Alex Lambert, Clayton Mullen, Reyna Roberts, Sophia Scott, Colin Stough, The Washboard Union, Kasey Tyndall, Walker County, Tucker Wetmore, Drew Green, Alex Hall, Hueston, Matt Koziol, Brooke Lee, Trey Lewis, Canaan Smith, Sean Stemaly and more.

Ascend Amphitheater will also return with three nights of performances at the open-air venue. Lineup and ticket details will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional stage lineups, Fan Fair X activities inside Music City Center and more will be revealed as the festival approaches.

A limited number of four-night Stadium Passes are currently on sale, and fans can access a variety of ticket options starting today (March 14) at CMAfest.com/tickets. Single night tickets for the nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium will be available. Four-day and single day tickets for Fan Fair X are also available now, as well as four-day tickets to Riverside Retreat, an exclusive destination along the Cumberland River, offering early admission to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, where audiences attending the free daytime concerts often reach capacity.

Nominees Revealed For ACM Radio Awards

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The Academy of Country Music has announced the ACM Radio Awards nominees for the 59th ACM Awards.

Winners of the ACM Radio Awards will be revealed ahead of the 59th ACM Awards on May 16, and will celebrated during ACM Awards week.

KATI-FM in Jefferson City, Missouri; KCLR-FM in Columbia, Missouri; KFRG-FM in Riverside, California; KKWF-FM in Seattle, Washington; KXKT-FM in Omaha, Nebraska; WGGY-FM in Scranton, Pennsylvania; WLHK-FM in Indianapolis, Indiana and WUBE-FM in Cincinnati, Ohio all received double nominations.

59th ACM Radio Awards Nominees:

NATIONAL DAILY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
– Bobby Bones, Amy, Lunchbox, Producer Eddie, Morgan, Szn, Mike D, Abby, Pitts, Kevin, Lauren and Scuba Steve – The Bobby Bones Show
– Ania Hammar – The Highway/Nights with Ania
– Katie Neal – Katie & Company
– Elaina Smith – Nights with Elaina
– Rob Stone and Holly Hutton – The Rob + Holly Show

NATIONAL WEEKLY ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
– Kix Brooks – American Country Countdown
– B-Dub – B-Dub Radio Saturday Night
– Lon Helton – Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton
– Buzz Brainard – Hot 30 Countdown with Buzz Brainard
– Wayne D and Tay – iHeartCountry House Party
– Kelly Sutton – Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
– The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister – Matt McAllister, Gabe Mercer and “Captain Ron” Koons/KKWF-FM in Seattle, WA
– The Jason Pullman Show – Jason Pullman/KPLX-FM in Dallas, TX
– Paul Schadt and Sarah Lee in the Morning – Paul Schadt, Sarah Lee and Producer Geoff/WKKT-FM in Charlotte, NC
– Angie Ward – Angie Ward/WUBL-FM in Atlanta, GA
– The Most Fun Afternoons with Scotty Kay – Scotty Kay/WUSN-FM in Chicago, IL

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
– Dale Carter Morning Show – Dale Carter/KFKF-FM in Kansas City, MO
– Anthony – Anthony/KFRG-FM in Riverside, CA
– Annie & Cole – Annie Fox and Cole Dunbar/WLHK-FM in Indianapolis, IN
– The Wayne D Show – Wayne D and Tay Hamilton/WSIX-FM in Nashville, TN
– Jesse & Anna – Jesse Tack and Anna Marie/WUBE-FM in Cincinnati, OH

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
– Drive Home with Jody Jo – Jody Jo/KSKS-FM in Fresno, CA
– Steve & Gina in the Morning – Steve Lundy and Gina Melton/KXKT-FM in Omaha, NE
– The Doc Show – Doc Medek and Chewy Medek/WGGY-FM in Scranton, PA
– New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody – Nancy Wilson and Aaron Woods/WHKO-FM in Dayton, OH
– Mo & StyckMan – Mo and StyckMan/WUSY-FM in Chattanooga, TN

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
– Hilley & Hart – Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart/KATI-FM in Jefferson City, MO
– Liz & Scotty in the Morning – Liz DelGrosso and Scotty Cox/KCLR-FM in Columbia, MO
– Morning Show with Pat James – Pat James/KHUT-FM in Hutchinson, KS
– The Eddie Foxx Show – Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx/WKSF-FM in Asheville, NC
– Steve, Ben and Nikki – Steve, Ben, and Nikki/WXBQ-FM – Bristol, VA

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET
– KILT-FM in Houston, TX
– KKWF-FM in Seattle, WA
– KSON-FM in San Diego, CA
– WXTU-FM in Philadelphia, PA
– WYCD-FM in Detroit, MI

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET
– KFRG-FM in Riverside, CA
– KNCI-FM in Sacramento, CA
– WDSY-FM in Pittsburgh, PA
– WLHK-FM in Indianapolis, IN
– WQDR-FM in Raleigh, NC
– WUBE-FM in Cincinnati, OH

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET
– KUZZ-FM in Bakersfield, CA
– KXKT-FM in Omaha, NE
– WBEE-FM in Rochester, NY
– WGGY-FM in Scranton, PA
– WTHT-FM in Portland, ME

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET
– KATI-FM in Jefferson City, MO
– KCLR-FM in Columbia, MO
– WFLS-FM in Fredericksburg, VA
– WNGC-FM in Athens, GA
– WRTB-FM in Rockford, IL

MARB MKTG Relocates & Moves Music Clients To AVE EAST MKTG Imprint [Exclusive]

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MARB MKTG, formerly known as Marbaloo Marketing, has relocated from downtown Nashville to a restored chapel in East Nashville’s Eastwood Village neighborhood.

Sara Jordan Jacobson & Caitlin Blackford with the company’s 2024 Silver Clio Award.

Over the last fourteen years, the consulting business founded by Faithe Dillman has evolved into what is now MARB MKTG, a parent company that encompasses different agencies offering varying services and specialities. Its team has worked on projects for the Academy of Country Music, Megadeth, Carly Pearce, Kenny G and author James Patterson. Following its 2024 Silver Clio Award win for Dolly Parton’s TikTok channel launch campaign, the company has rebranded its imprints, and its roster of artists and public figures will now be housed under the AVE EAST MKTG Agency.

Additionally, the AVE WEST PR Agency will continue servicing its brand and product roster. BAND-WIDTH MKTG has returned to servicing the festivals, concerts and tours it originally launched to market while continuing to promote the virtual livestreams and VIP experiences it pivoted to during the pandemic, and REMEDY CREATIVE celebrates its eighth year providing branding and content as well as fast asset solutions. The agencies have unified business development, client success, finance, operations and the executive suite to MARB MKTG. For more information, click here.

Moving forward, Marbaloo will be reserved for Dillman’s individual consulting services and pro-bono work.

For MARB MKTG media relations, contact Head of PR Sara Jordan Jacobson at sarajordan@marbmktg.com, and for AVE EAST MKTG media relations, contact Director of Publicity Caitlin Blackford at caitlin@aveeastmktg.com.

CMA Presents Two International Awards & Celebrates Return To C2C Festival

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Pictured (L-R): CMA’s Milly Olykan, Holler‘s Ross Jones, Baylen Leonard and CMA’s Meredith Goucher. Photo: Luke Dyson for CMA

The Country Music Association presented two CMA International Awards while celebrating its return to Country to Country (C2C) Festival this past week.

Carly Pearce & Ricky Ross. Photo: BBC Radio Scotland

CMA Vice President, International Relations & Development Milly Olykan and radio broadcaster Baylen Leonard surprised Holler Editor Ross Jones on stage during the sold-out CMA Songwriters Series on Thursday (March 7) with the CMA Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award for his vision and efforts to expand country music globally.

Kicking off the festival weekend, the CMA Songwriters Series featured performances by host Charlie Worsham as well as Colbie Caillat, Lauren Alaina, Stephen Wilson Jr. and special guests Abbey Cone and Fancy Hagood.

Country star Carly Pearce honored longtime BBC radio host Ricky Ross during an interview on BBC Radio Scotland’s Another Country with the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award on Sunday (March 10) for his successful broadcasting career.

Additionally, the organization’s international touring series, “Introducing Nashville,” opened each festival stop in Rotterdam, Berlin, Stockholm, Oslo, London, Belfast and Glasglow with artists including Karley Scott Collins, Conner Smith, Lauren Watkins and Greylan James.

“After a historic year of international growth in county music, it is truly remarkable to have been at C2C this past week surrounded by the very fans who continue to contribute to our format’s achievements,” says Olykan. “In 2023, our genre reached unprecedented heights worldwide, and the momentum is set to continue in 2024. Presenting this unique array of country music to our fans feels especially rewarding this year, where we are at an exciting crossroads with our genre attracting wider engagement from artists, industry and fans who are wanting to participate more in country music.”