Equal Access Applications Now Open For 2024-25 Cohort

/by

CMT and mtheory’s Equal Access program is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 cohort. CMT, the returning title sponsor, will announce the cohort this April in parallel with the 2024 CMT Music Awards. The deadline to apply is Jan. 26 at 5 p.m CST.

Entering its third year, the Equal Access program is designed to foster and support marginalized communities that are underrepresented in the country music genre. The program was first announced live at the 2022 CMT Music Awards by Gayle King. King called the program “a bold commitment towards ensuring an inclusive future for all voices in country music.”

Artists and management professionals selected to participate in the program receive funding, training and support through mtheory to navigate and grow through the country music scene. Current and past members of Equal Access include artists Angie K, Camille Parker, Denitia, Madeline Edwards, Miko Marks and Valerie Ponzio; and music management professionals Ahsaki LaFrance Chachere, Alex Evelyn, Roberto Martinez, Charlene Bryant, Kadeem Phillips and Marques Vance.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and live in Nashville. To apply or for more information, visit Equal Access.

Recording Academy To Honor Music Industry Icons With 2024 Special Merit Awards

/by

The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony celebrating the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustees Award, Technical Grammy Award and Best Song For Social Change Award recipients will return during Grammy Week on Feb. 3, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

Tammy Wynette is among the 2024 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honorees, which also include Laurie Anderson, the Clark Sisters, Gladys Knight, N.W.A and Donna Summer. 

In 1968, Wynette released “Stand By Your Man,” which sold more than five million singles and became the largest-selling single ever recorded by a female artist. By 1970, she racked up five No. 1 hits, was named the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year three times, and won two Grammys. Wynette was the first female country music singer to sell over one million albums and has sold more than 30 million records grossing more than $100 million, earning her the title “The First Lady of Country Music.”

Peter Asher, DJ Kool Herc and Joel Katz are the Trustees Award recipients. Katz has shaped the entertainment industry through his work in facilitating entertainment-related corporate acquisitions and mergers and consulting multi-national and multi-media entertainment companies. Katz was ranked Billboard magazine’s No. 1 entertainment attorney in its “Power 100” list of most powerful executives in the music business. At Kennesaw State University, Katz endowed and began a commercial music program—one of the largest music education programs in America with over 500 students. In honor of his work, the University of Tennessee College of Law dedicated its library in his name, the Joel A. Katz Law Library.

“The Academy is honored to pay tribute to this year’s Special Merit Award recipients—a remarkable group of creators and industry professionals whose impact resonates with generations worldwide,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Their contributions to music span genres, backgrounds and crafts, reflecting the rich diversity that fuels our creative community. We look forward to honoring these music industry trailblazers next month as part of our week-long celebration leading up to Music’s Biggest Night.”

Dawson Anderson Inks Publishing Deal With LBK Entertainment & Mailbox Money Music

/by

Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Robbins (Mailbox Money Music), Allie Nicolini (LBK Entertainment), Mariah Tobias (LBK Entertainment), Dawson Anderson, Sarah Robbins (Mailbox Money Music), Sophie Moll Ziegler (Mailbox Money Music), Carl Kornmeyer (LBK Entertainment), Matt Musacchio (Champ Management)

California native Dawson Anderson has signed a worldwide publishing deal with LBK Entertainment and Mailbox Money Music.

Formerly a member of the band Temecula Road, Anderson came to Nashville at just 15 years old. After signing his first record and publishing deal with the band, he gained tremendous writing and performing experience to carry him into his solo career. While continuing to plant himself in the Nashville writing community, Anderson’s music reflects his country, rock and pop influences.

“We are so excited to partner with the awesome crew at LBK to continue working with Dawson in his new venture as a solo artist, and we can’t wait for the world to hear his music!” says Sarah Robbins of Mailbox Money Music.

“Dawson Anderson is a dynamic artist and incredibly talented songwriter. We’re thrilled to be teaming up with him and the Mailbox Money Music team to champion this next chapter of Dawson’s exciting career and music!” says Mariah Tobias of LBK Entertainment.

Anderson is managed by Matt Musacchio of Champ Management.

Drake Milligan Debuts New Track From Forthcoming EP

/by

Drake Milligan is set to drop his new EP,  Jukebox Songs, on Feb. 16. The track “Don’t Leave Me Loving You” is available today (Jan. 5).

Penned by Bobby Pinson, Matt Rogers and Ben Stennis, “Don’t Leave Me Loving You” is a classic country ballad built on a still-tender emotional wound. Produced by Trent Willmon, the EP will highlight Milligan’s vocals on four fresh, country-soul infused songs.

“Jukebox Songs is exactly what it sounds like,” says Milligan. “My goal for this EP was to write and find songs that feel classic and memorable—the kinda tunes that would fit right in on some old Rock-Ola in the corner of a smoke-filled bar on the outskirts of nowhere Texas. It’s a continuation of the old-meets-new country sound I’ve always gone for, and this time with my friend Trent Willmon at the reins as producer, I’m very excited to keep this honky-tonk train rollin.'”

Additionally, Milligan will return to the television screen soon, as he’s set to compete on NBC’s upcoming America’s Got Talent spin-off show, Fantasy League. He’ll also hit the road alongside Cody Johnson, opening 10 dates on “The Leather Tour.”

The Castellows To Release Debut EP ‘A Little Goes A Long Way’ In February

/by

Rising country sister trio The Castellows have announced their debut EP A Little Goes A Long Way, dropping Feb. 9 via Warner Music Nashville / Warner Records.

Six of the seven songs were written/co-written by the group, including single “I Know It’ll Never End,” out today (Jan. 5). Produced by industry veteran Trina Shoemaker, the project’s other co-writers consist of Natalie Hemby, Rhett Akins and Hillary Lindsey, among others.

“We are extremely excited to release our first project for the world to hear on Feb. 9!! This collection of seven songs mean so much to us and we hope everyone loves them as much as we do,” says The Castellows.

This EP comes on the heels of an eventful new year for the trio, with mentions on multiple 2024 Watch Lists, including CMT, Pandora, Country Now and Nashville Lifestyle.  The Castellows will also kick off their 21-city tour on Feb. 17 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Additionally, the journey will include three stops in their home state of Georgia.

A Little Goes A Long Way EP Track Listing:

1. “A Little Goes A Long Way” (Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Natalie Hemby)
2. “Heartline Hill” (Eleanor Balkcom)
3. “The Part Where You Break My Heart” (Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Rhett Akins, Lydia Vaughan)
4. “No. 7 Road” (Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Hillary Lindsey)
5. “Cowboy Kind of Love” (Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Parker Welling, Chris LaCorte)
6. “Hurricane” (Keith Stegall, Stewart Harris, Thom Schuyler)
7. “I Know It’ll Never End” (Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom)

Chris Fabiani Joins Leo33 As Vice President, Promotion & Marketing

/by

Chris Fabiani

Chris Fabiani has joined the Nashville-based independent label Leo33 as Vice President, Promotion & Marketing.

With a career spanning over 16 years in the music industry, Fabiani brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role at the label. The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) graduate started at Universal Music Group (UMG) Distribution in 2006, before transitioning into promotion as a coordinator at UMG. In 2012, Fabiani was promoted to a regional position with EMI Nashville, where he spent six years working with artists including Eric Church, Brothers Osborne, Brandon Lay, Gary Allan, Jon Langston and more. In 2019, he entered a the role of Director of Promotion & Artist Engagement. In this capacity, Fabiani led the development of innovative marketing opportunities, in partnership with the marketing team, and explored various ways to connect with diverse audiences.

In 2020, he joined Warner Music Nashville as a regional for the WEA team, leveraging his expertise to contribute to the success of artists under the label umbrella. In 2022, he ascended to National Director, overseeing campaigns for artists such as Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Cole Swindell, Ashley McBryde and Breland.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Fabiani to the Leo33 family,” says Katie Dean, Head of Leo33. “His extensive industry experience, strategic acumen and proven ability to connect with artists aligns seamlessly with Leo33’s vision of fostering innovation and artistic growth. We are confident that Chris will play a pivotal role in elevating our artists and contributing to the continued success of Leo33.”

“I am genuinely excited to join the all star team at Leo33, a label that shares my passion for pushing the boundaries of the music industry,” shares Fabiani. “I look forward to contributing to the label’s success as we continue to elevate artists and shape the future of music.”

‘Nashville’s Big Bash’ Declared Highest-Rated Country Music Program Of 2023

/by

Over eight million viewers rang in 2024 with CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, making it the highest-rated country music program of 2023 according to its organizers.

The New Year’s Eve special was followed in ratings by the 58th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards (7.7 million viewers), 57th CMA Awards (6.84 million viewers), CMT Music Awards (5.64 million viewers), CMA Country Christmas (4.49 million viewers), NBC’s Christmas at The Opry (4.44 million viewers), People’s Choice Country Awards (3.90 million viewers), CMA Fest (3.65 million viewers) and CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair (1.77 million viewers).

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash more than doubled its primetime audience from last year, and became CBS’s most-watched original entertainment special since The 65th Grammy Awards last February. The celebration was also livestreamed on Paramount+, as well as CBS’ website and app, and was the service’s most livestreamed entertainment program of the day in terms of both reach and time spent.

Additionally, New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash saw record-breaking in-person attendance, as an estimated 215,000 fans gathered at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for the live show.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors’ New Tune Is ‘Deeply Affecting’

/by

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

Happy New Year from DISClaimer.

I can think of no better way to begin 2024 than with an overview of what’s current in the land of Americana music. Plenty, as it turns out.

Many of the biggest stars of the genre have offerings—Jason Isbell, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Sheryl Crow. But the Disc of the Day goes to a guy who’s been in the trenches for years, but never received their level of fame. It’s “Way Back When,” a marvelous outing from Drew Holcomb and his band The Neighbors. It’s bound to warm your spirits on a winter day.

The DISCovery Award goes to MAJOR. He’ll be spending part of this winter in Music City collaborating with our songwriters for the tracks on a new album. If the rest of his music is as fine as his excellent single, I offer a hearty welcome.

DR. JOHN & AARON NEVILLE / “End of the Line”
Writers: Bob Dylan/George Harrison/Jeff Lynne/Roy Orbison/Tom Petty; Producers: Malcom John Rebennack, Jr/Shane Theriot; Label: Rounder
– Country-loving Aaron Neville teamed up with the late Dr. John on this cover of The Traveling Wilburys tune. The good news is that the track sounds nothing like the Wilbury original version. The bad news is that the angelic-voiced Neville takes a definite back seat. The unusual listening experience is on the current, posthumously released Dr. John album Things Happen This Way.

MAJOR. / “Joy in the Battle”
Writer: Joaquin Bynum; Producer: Joaquin Bynum; Label: MNRK Music
– One of the cool things about Americana is that it brings together all kinds of roots music styles—classic country, blues, Cajun, bluegrass, folk and, in this case, soul. The track is an uplifting shout of affirmation, driven by ebullient energy. It already has 105K streams on Spotify, and has picked up endorsements from Sting, Oprah, Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson and Stevie Wonder. I see no reason why it can’t go even further. Infectious and positive. MAJOR. showcases at The Basement on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. It’s a free industry showcase, so get on board.

EMMYLOU HARRIS / “Love Wore a Halo”
Writer: Nanci Griffith; Producer: Buddy Miller; Label: Rounder
– More Than a Whisper is the tribute album to the late, great Nanci Griffith. Emmylou, the Queen of Americana, has its single, and it’s a beauty. Acoustic instruments swirl around a concertina, a twang guitar and a snare while the singer weaves her magic spell. Essential listening.

NOAH KAHAN / “Everywhere Everything”
Writer: Noah Kahan; Producers: Gabe Simon/Noah Kahan; Label: Republic
– This folkie is nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys. He’s been collaborating with Kacey Musgraves, Post Malone, Joy Oladokun, Hozier, Zach Bryan and more stellar people. This track is drawn from Stick Season, the breakthrough album that earned him his nomination. Things start off innocent and guitar strum-y then build into intense rocking choruses that describe young love in the most weirdly morbid way.

CHARLEY CROCKETT & WILLIE NELSON / “That’s What Makes the World Go Around”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Kullen Fox/Rich Brotherton/Taylor Grace; Producers: Charley Crockett/Billy Horton; Label: CC
– This is a loping, lightly swinging two stepper. Nelson, 90, matches Crockett vocal lick for vocal lick and adds his own Trigger guitar solo. All country music should sound this cool.

AMOS LEE / “Fruits of My Labor”
Writer: Lucinda Williams; Producer: none listed; Label: Thirty Tigers
– Amos Lee has one of Americana music’s great voices. He needs only it and some spare acoustic instrumentation to bring this languid, buoyant, silky tune to life. Absolutely love this. It comes from Honeysuckle Switches, his new tribute album to his songwriting hero, Lucinda Williams.

SHERYL CROW / “Alarm Clock”
Writers: Sheryl Crow/Mike Elizondo/Emily Weisband; Producer: Mike Elizondo; Label: Valory
– The 2023 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee returns to her pop-rock roots with this bopping, sunshiny winner. Back in 2018, she said she was done making albums. Which is why this advance track from her upcoming Evolution collection so surprising and so welcome. Can’t wait to hear the rest of it.

LORI McKENNA / “1988”
Writers: Brian McKenna/Lori McKenna; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: CN/Thirty Tigers
– This woman always captivates me. The title tune of McKenna’s current album celebrates her enduring marriage with simple acoustic guitar accompaniment. There are few songwriters alive who are so heartfelt and true and few singers who can grab you this tightly. She has won CMA Song of the Year twice, for ”Girl Crush” and “Humble and Kind,” both of which also won Country Song Grammy Awards, as did “Crowded Table.” Lori McKenna is the only woman to have been named Songwriter of the Year by the ACM. Listen and believe.

JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT / “White Beretta”
Writer: Jason Isbell; Producer: Jason Isbell; Label: Southeastern
– Wistful memories of regret and self recrimination color a rolling meditation. Mournful and utterly haunting. This track from Isbell’s Weathervanes collection has a new animated video that is as evocative as the abortion-themed song.

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS / “Way Back When”
Writers: Drew Holcomb/Kevin Scott Rhoads; Producer: Cason Cooley; Label: Magnolia
– Over the course of two decades and nine albums, these folks have been a comforting constant on the Nashville music scene. The group’s current album, Strangers No More, has taken it to previously unscaled heights at festivals, on TV, in print and on the Americana charts. Holcomb’s warm baritone carries this warm, heart-tugging ballad accompanied by soft piano and strings. It’s about parenthood and the passage of time and is deeply, deeply affecting. I remain an immense fan. Always have been.

JIMMY BUFFETT / “Like My Dog”
Writers: Scotty Emerick/Harley Allen; Producers: Michael Utley/Mac McAnally; Label: Mailboat/Sun
– This is a face-filling grin from start to finish. Or at least a massive tail wag. All he wants is for his girl to love him like his dog does. The new video for this is a collaboration with the ASCPA to encourage doggie adoption, and the footage is adorable. Drawn from Buffett’s superb posthumous album Equal Strain on All Parts.

Morning Mentoring & Networking Sessions Set For CRS 2024

/by

The programming has been set for the morning mentoring sessions that will take place during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024. The sessions aim will provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.

CRS will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 28, with its first morning mentoring session. The Y’all Means All: Diversity Matters Breakfast will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. in Legends A-C at the Omni Nashville Hotel, and aims to address diversity and inclusivity within the country radio industry. The panel discussion will be moderated by Mia McNeal, Senior Director of Industry Relations & Inclusion at the Country Music Association (CMA), and will feature panelists including Jaye Albright (retired Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Jon Loba (BBR/BMG), Frank Ray (BBR Music Group artist) and Lily Rose (Big Loud Records, Back Blocks Music, and Republic Records Country artist).

On the last day of CRS, Friday, March 1, CRS will present the Women’s Networking Breakfast, sponsored by Nuvoodoo Media from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. This session will focus on empowering and connecting women within the country music industry. Confirmed attendees include McNeal (CMA), Charlene Bryant (UMG Nashville), Zena Burns (Moxie Coalition), Blake Carter (SEVENS Radio Network/The Garth Channel), Katie Dean (Leo33), Brooke Diaz (BMLG), Karina Farias (Edison Research), Krista Hayes (Cumulus Media), Laura Hostelley (Triple Tigers Records), Jessica “Carsen” Humphreville (Silverfish Media), Michelle Tigard Kammerer (Amazon Music), Sarah Kay (WQMX), Basak Kizilisik (Eighteen Company), Katie McCartney (Monument Records), Brooks O’Brian (WWJO), Athena Puharic (Big Machine Label Group), Brooke Taylor (iHeart), Nikki Thomas (Bristol Broadcasting) and Melissa Quinones (Cox Media Group).

More agenda details for CRS 2024 will be released soon. Registration for CRS 2024 is now open.

Lauren Daigle’s Price Fund Reports Over $1 Million In Contributions For 2023

/by

Lauren Daigle. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle has closed out a record year for her foundation, The Price Fund, with over one million dollars in contributions for 2023.

A total of 45 contributions were made throughout the year by the fund, including partnership contributions to Music Health Alliance (MHA) and KultureCity, contributions to organizations such as the Caring for Covenant Fund and the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund as well as multiple music schools. These contributions have helped to fund senior healthcare programs, accessibility improvements in music venues across the U.S. and provided music education funds for schools. Since the foundation’s start in 2018, The Price Fund has provided over $3.5 million to charitable organizations.

“I am so proud of the work that we have been able to do over the last year and that fans can also play such a huge part in joining the effort to make a difference in the world. I am overjoyed about what is to come and what we can accomplish together,” says Daigle. On her “Kaleidoscope Tour” this past year, a portion of every ticket purchased was donated directly to the fund, providing a unique opportunity for her fans to make a direct impact. The foundation was started to memorialize Daigle’s late grandfather, Julian Price, who taught her how to love the world one relationship at a time.

“I formed The Price Fund to help make a positive impact in people’s lives and remind them they are not alone,” she shares.

For more information, click here.