Pictured (L-R, back row): Pillbox Patti, Prana Supreme and Tekitha of O.N.E The Duo, Angie Keilhauer, Roberta Lea, Catie Offerman, Georgia Webster and Kimberly Kelly; (L-R, front row): Kasey Tyndall, Alana Springsteen, Mackenzie Carpenter, Carter Faith, Avery Anna, Ashley Cooke, Julie Williams, Megan Moroney and MaRynn Taylor. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT
Marking the 10 year anniversary of CMT’s landmark Next Women of Country (NWOC) program, CMT has unveiled its largest class in program history with 16 new female artists joining the fold.
Among the rising stars named to the Class of 2023 are Alana Springsteen, Angie K, Ashley Cooke, Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Catie Offerman, Georgia Webster, Julie Williams, Kasey Tyndall, Kimberly Kelly, Mackenzie Carpenter, MaRynn Taylor, Megan Moroney, O.N.E The Duo, Pillbox Patti and Roberta Lea.
The 2023 class was revealed last night (Jan. 17) at City Winery Nashville to a crowd of industry and VIP guests, alongside NWOC alums Brittney Spencer (2021), Brooke Eden (2015), Caitlyn Smith (2017), Ingrid Andress (2019), Kelsea Ballerini (2015), Maddie & Tae (2015) and Mickey Guyton (2015) as well as songwriter-artist-producer Nicolle Galyon.
CMT Next Women of Country: 10-Year Anniversary & Class of 2023 reveal at City Winery Nashville. Photo:Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT
“Each year, it’s extremely gratifying to welcome a new wave of fiercely independent females to our Next Women of Country program, all of whom are blazing their own paths and playing by their own rules,” Leslie Fram, SVP of Music & Talent, CMT explained. “Tonight we’re introducing our largest class of inductees ever as we celebrate with the return of our first in-person event in over three years—and this group of accomplished artists is absolutely worth the wait!” She continued, “Reaching this historic 10th anniversary milestone with CMT Next Women is a testament to the hard work of those gatekeepers in our industry who have locked arms and worked tirelessly toward a level playing field for women. I’m so proud of this franchise for continuing to be at the forefront of this imperative dialogue and look forward to continuing our fight toward greater progress and true equity for all underrepresented voices in country music.”
Over the next year, the new class will receive cross-brand support for their music and videos across the CMT platform and social channels as well as cross-promotional opportunities for Paramount Media’s MTV Entertainment Group brands, such as live events, the Paramount Times Square NYC Billboard and more. As part of the brand’s CMT Equal Play initiative, the class will also be given access to social impact and artist advocacy opportunities designed to assist them in supporting charitable causes and social issues. CMT will also partner with City Winery Nashville to continue a series of fan-focused showcases featuring NWOC throughout the year.
CMT first launched its Next Women of Country campaign in 2013 to support and expose developing female talent, both signed and unsigned, in a male-dominated format. The initiative has grown since its inception, showcasing emerging female artists across all CMT screens, various digital series and seven tours anchored by superstar acts including Jennifer Nettles, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Tanya Tucker and Maddie & Tae.
This year’s 2023 class marks a total of 111 female acts that have been named as part of the program, including notable alumni such as Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark, Spencer, Eden, Smith, Carly Pearce, Gabby Barrett, Andress, Kacey Musgraves, Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Madeline Edwards, Maren Morris, Guyton, Morgan Wade, Miko Marks, Tenille Arts and more.
CMT’s flagship series, CMT Hot 20 Countdown, hosted by Cody Alan and Rissi Palmer, will air a dedicated Next Women of Country three-hour special episode introducing the Class of 2023 with exclusive interviews and performances from each new inductee. The episode is slated to air Feb. 11 at 7 a.m. CT with an encore presentation on Feb. 12 at 8 a.m. CT on CMT.
Big Machine Music Adds Troy Cartwright To Roster
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): BMM’s Tim Hunze, Troy Cartwright, BMM’s Michelle Attardi and Mike Molinar. Photo: Noah Needleman
Singer-songwriter Troy Cartwright has signed an exclusive, co-publishing agreement with independent music publisher and HYBE America subsidiary Big Machine Music (BMM).
The Texas native has built a passionate touring fanbase with his neotraditional style. Collecting more than 80 million career streams to date, Cartwright independently released his EP, Just Kids, last year. As a songwriter, his cuts have included placements with Ryan Hurd, Nickelback, Josh Abbott Band and more.
“Troy is a dual-threat talent whose time is upon us,” says BMM General Manager Mike Molinar. “His commercial phrasing and fresh ideas are ready made for radio. We are excited to champion him and his songs!”
“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the Big Machine Music team,” shares Cartwright. “I’ve always been a fan of the way they advocate for their songwriters and navigate the complexities of being both a writer and artist. Mike Molinar, Tim Hunze, Michelle Attardi and the rest of the team have already exceeded my expectations. I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be!”
Cartwright joins BMM’s roster of artists and writers, including Brett Young, Hurd, Laura Veltz, Matt Dragstrem, Jessie Jo Dillon, Eric Paslay and more.
Reminder: Nomination Period For MusicRow’s Rising Women On The Row Closes Friday
/by LB CantrellNominations for MusicRow’s 10th annual Rising Women on the Row will close on Friday, Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. CT.
MusicRow will honor six deserving businesswomen during Rising Women on the Row breakfast ceremony on March 23 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The event will recognize the selected Nashville music industry professionals who have become substantial contributors and visionary leaders.
Click to view MusicRow‘s official Rising Women nomination form.
Submissions will be considered only through the official nomination process, which closes Friday, Jan. 20. Candidates nominated in previous years will need to be resubmitted. Multiple nominations do not increase likelihood of being selected, but you may nominate as many individuals as you like with separate forms. Self-nominations are welcome.
The 2023 class of Rising Women on the Row will be announced in the coming weeks, along with event details. Tickets will open in the coming weeks as well.
Past honorees include—2020/2022: Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Mandy Morrison, Missy Roberts, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright; 2019: Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Meredith Jones, Lenore Kinder, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Jennifer Turnbow; 2018: Faithe Dillman, Leslie DiPiero, Becky Gardenhire, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Annie Ortmeier, Janet Weir; 2017: Tatum Allsep, Virginia Bunetta, Kerri Edwards, Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith; 2016: Abbey Adams, Amanda Cates, Cris Lacy, Leslie Roberts, Risha Rodgers; 2015: Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman, Lou Taylor; 2014: Julie Boos, Caryl Atwood, Ebie McFarland, Alicia Pruitt, Kelly Rich; 2013: Cyndi Forman, Cindy Hunt, Beth Laird, Cindy Mabe, Brandi Simms; 2012: Shannan Hatch, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, Denise Stevens, Carla Wallace.
Craig Campbell’s ‘The Lost Files: Exhibit A’ Due Out In February
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Campbell
Craig Campbell is gearing up for the release of his latest album, The Lost Files: Exhibit A, on Feb. 17 through the entertainer’s own Grindstone Recordings. The first single from the project, “Tractor Songs,” was penned by singer-songwriter Walker Hayes and will be out Jan. 27.
The The Lost Files: Exhibit A is a compilation of recent recordings and “lost” songs Campbell recorded for previous labels but were never released. Cambell had a hand in writing 11 of the 16 tracks on the new project, and Travis Tritt, Trea Landon and Cambell’s wife Mindy are featured on three of the cuts.
“This album has been a long time coming,” Campbell explains. “This collection of music is very special to me, I have been chomping at the bit to get this to my fans. These are songs that I love and believe in with all that I am. My fans fell in love with me when there was steel and fiddle on my records. I truly hate that I got away from that for a bit trying to chase something that wasn’t real, but I humbly admit, I am a work in progress. Not everyone is going to love this album, and I am ok with that. However, THIS is the real me. Unfiltered, unapologetic, and from my heart.“
Campbell will be hitting the road next month on a nationwide tour to promote the single and album.
1. “Lot To Live Up To” featuring Travis Tritt (Craig Campbell/Tim Nichols/Mark D. Sanders)
2. “Winnebago” (Craig Campbell/Brett Beavers/Steve Bogard)
3. “It’s About Time” (Michael White/Justin Wilson/Jamie Paulin)
4. “Things You Do In A Truck” featuring Trea Landon (Craig Campbell/Blake Bollinger/Trea Landon)
5. “Sounds Like A Small Town” (Craig Campbell/Jeremy Bussey/Cody Cozzolino)
6. “Church Clothes” with Mindy Ellis Campbell (Liz Rose/Nicolle Galyon)
7. “Johnny’s Cash” (Craig Campbell/Keifer Thompson)
8. “Hurtin’ On It” (Craig Campbell/Adam Yaron/Abram Dean)
9. “Night Like Last Night” (Craig Campbell/Rob Hatch/Jason Sellers)
10. “Royals” (Ella Yelich-O’Connor/Joel Little)
11. “Talk Country To Me” (Craig Campbell/Adam Sanders/Derek George)
12. “Tractor Songs” (Walker Hayes)
13. “God And The Ground” (Phillip Coleman/Jess Brown)
14. “That’s What A Song’ll Do” (Craig Campbell/Ben Hayslip/Dallas Davidson)
15. “That’s How We Get Down” (Craig Campbell/Jeremy Bussey/Styles Haury)
16. “All American Comeback Kid” (Craig Campbell/Terry McBride/Brice Long)
Doug Howard & Family Establish ‘Dean’s Choice’ Endowed Scholarship At Belmont University
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Douglas J. Howard “Dean’s Choice” Endowed Scholarship has been established by the Howard family with a $100,000 gift to the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University.
Given by Howard, wife Linda and daughter Gracelyn, the scholarship will support a rising sophomore, junior or senior student with a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher studying in the Curb College. To contribute, click here.
“We are deeply grateful for the Howard family’s generosity and are excited to continue Doug’s legacy at Belmont through this endowed scholarship,” notes University President Dr. Greg Jones. “Doug has been a tremendous asset to Belmont and Curb College through his innovative spirit, transformational leadership, passion and energy. Through the Howard family’s investment, more students will have the opportunity to study music and entertainment in the world-class Curb College.”
“During my service as Dean, I witnessed the generosity of many of our Curb alumni and industry partners who provided financial support for our students,” Howard explains. “In the scholarship award process, however, I became acutely aware there is a large gap and a great need to provide even more scholarship support for an ever-growing number of qualified and deserving students. My family desires our gift to inspire and encourage additional alumni and friends to create new endowed scholarships or to support one of the existing Curb scholarships. Any gift amount will support the many exemplary Curb students who seek aid each year in their quest to earn their degree and pursue their dream career.”
Howard graduated from Belmont College in 1979, where he studied music business and management before receiving his MBA from Vanderbilt University and his JD from the George Washington University School of Law After a career as a music industry executive, Howard returned to Belmont in 2015 where he served as dean of Curb College until his retirement last fall. His tenure as dean was marked by the college’s significant growth, a deepening of industry connections, the opening of a state-of-the-art facility and consistent national acclaim.
The scholarship arrives just before the 50th anniversary of the University’s music business program, with celebrations slated for the 2023-2024 academic year.
CMA To Honor John Huie With Lifetime Achievement Award
/by LB CantrellJohn Huie
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Music Agent and Co-Founder of the CAA Music Nashville office John Huie will be honored by the Country Music Association with its 2022 CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award. Huie will be presented the honor at the 2022 CMA Touring Awards on Jan. 30 at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.
It was also announced that twelve-time CMA Awards winner and two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban will host the awards. The previously revealed nominees for the CMA Touring Awards include many professionals in different roles in the touring world.
The CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award is for an individual who has accomplished the highest level in the country music field of touring. The award was established to recognize an individual who has achieved both prominence and stature at the highest level. The individual receiving this award has positively impacted and contributed to the growth of touring throughout a course of years that have proven to have an unprecedented historical impact on country music fans and the industry alike, and whose presence will have a long-term positive impact on the genre and CMA for generations to come.
“It’s a humbling experience,” Huie shared of the honor. “It gave me a sense of pause and reflection. It’s an exclamation mark on a career. It’s nice to be honored and humbly accepted.”
He began his career at CAA in 1992, joining Ron Baird in opening the first satellite office for CAA. Since that time, the CAA Nashville office has grown to become a dominant industry force. He has helped guide the growth of the agency’s Music City operations from two employees to more than 80 specializing in booking, tour marketing, and brand partnerships.
In 1978, Huie began his career in Macon, Georgia, at The Paragon Agency, where he booked tours for acts like The Charlie Daniels Band and The Allman Brothers. After a year, he moved to New York City and opened Frontier Booking International (F.B.I.) with Ian Copeland. While at F.B.I., Huie was instrumental in breaking artists such as The Police, The Go-Go’s, and Joan Jett. In 1984, he left F.B.I. and created his own agency, H-1, where he led the contemporary Christian music industry in crossing over artists such as Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith into mainstream appeal. In 1987, H-1 was purchased by International Creative Management (ICM) and Huie moved to Los Angeles where he ran ICM’s Contemporary Music division for five years.
In 1999, Huie won a Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for The Apostle soundtrack, for which he served as a producer. He has been honored numerous times throughout his career, including being named Pollstar’s Third Coast Agent of the Year eight times. In 2015, he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. In 2022, he was awarded the GMA Leadership Award.
Huie served on the Country Music Association Board of Directors as well as the CMA Foundation Board, which focuses on equitable access to music education. He is President of the Southern Chapter of the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer Research and serves on the boards of The Onsite Foundation and The Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation. Additionally, he is an Advisory Board member of Lipscomb University’s College of Entertainment & The Arts and Porter’s Call, a counseling service for artists.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Continues To Lead Country Albums Chart
/by Lydia FarthingMorgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr
The hitmakers in upper echelons of the country albums and streaming songs charts hold steady this week.
As he did for much of 2022, Morgan Wallen takes the top spot on the country albums chart as Dangerous: The Double Album adds another 43K in total consumption (1.5K album only/53M song streams), according to Luminate data. Wallen also claims two spots on the top country streaming songs chart: No. 3 with “You Proof” nabbing 10 million streams and No. 5 as “Wasted On You” tacks on another 7.7 million streams.
Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” maintains its spot at No. 1 on the streaming songs chart, notching another 15 million streams and now totaling 436 million streams RTD. Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock And A Hard Place” keeps its spot at No. 2 with 11 million, and Kane & Katelyn Brown‘s “Thank God” remains at No. 4 with 7.9 million streams.
On the top country albums chart, American Heartbreak (Zach Bryan) keeps the second spot and adds 33K in total consumption. Leave The Light On (Bailey Zimmerman) keeps its spot in third with 21K in total consumption. Luke Combs fills in the final two spots as Growin’ Up claims fourth with 18K and This One’s For You takes fifth with 15K.
CMT Marks 10 Years Of Next Women Of Country With New Class Of 16 Rising Females
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, back row): Pillbox Patti, Prana Supreme and Tekitha of O.N.E The Duo, Angie Keilhauer, Roberta Lea, Catie Offerman, Georgia Webster and Kimberly Kelly; (L-R, front row): Kasey Tyndall, Alana Springsteen, Mackenzie Carpenter, Carter Faith, Avery Anna, Ashley Cooke, Julie Williams, Megan Moroney and MaRynn Taylor. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT
Marking the 10 year anniversary of CMT’s landmark Next Women of Country (NWOC) program, CMT has unveiled its largest class in program history with 16 new female artists joining the fold.
Among the rising stars named to the Class of 2023 are Alana Springsteen, Angie K, Ashley Cooke, Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Catie Offerman, Georgia Webster, Julie Williams, Kasey Tyndall, Kimberly Kelly, Mackenzie Carpenter, MaRynn Taylor, Megan Moroney, O.N.E The Duo, Pillbox Patti and Roberta Lea.
The 2023 class was revealed last night (Jan. 17) at City Winery Nashville to a crowd of industry and VIP guests, alongside NWOC alums Brittney Spencer (2021), Brooke Eden (2015), Caitlyn Smith (2017), Ingrid Andress (2019), Kelsea Ballerini (2015), Maddie & Tae (2015) and Mickey Guyton (2015) as well as songwriter-artist-producer Nicolle Galyon.
CMT Next Women of Country: 10-Year Anniversary & Class of 2023 reveal at City Winery Nashville. Photo:Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT
“Each year, it’s extremely gratifying to welcome a new wave of fiercely independent females to our Next Women of Country program, all of whom are blazing their own paths and playing by their own rules,” Leslie Fram, SVP of Music & Talent, CMT explained. “Tonight we’re introducing our largest class of inductees ever as we celebrate with the return of our first in-person event in over three years—and this group of accomplished artists is absolutely worth the wait!” She continued, “Reaching this historic 10th anniversary milestone with CMT Next Women is a testament to the hard work of those gatekeepers in our industry who have locked arms and worked tirelessly toward a level playing field for women. I’m so proud of this franchise for continuing to be at the forefront of this imperative dialogue and look forward to continuing our fight toward greater progress and true equity for all underrepresented voices in country music.”
Over the next year, the new class will receive cross-brand support for their music and videos across the CMT platform and social channels as well as cross-promotional opportunities for Paramount Media’s MTV Entertainment Group brands, such as live events, the Paramount Times Square NYC Billboard and more. As part of the brand’s CMT Equal Play initiative, the class will also be given access to social impact and artist advocacy opportunities designed to assist them in supporting charitable causes and social issues. CMT will also partner with City Winery Nashville to continue a series of fan-focused showcases featuring NWOC throughout the year.
CMT first launched its Next Women of Country campaign in 2013 to support and expose developing female talent, both signed and unsigned, in a male-dominated format. The initiative has grown since its inception, showcasing emerging female artists across all CMT screens, various digital series and seven tours anchored by superstar acts including Jennifer Nettles, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Tanya Tucker and Maddie & Tae.
This year’s 2023 class marks a total of 111 female acts that have been named as part of the program, including notable alumni such as Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark, Spencer, Eden, Smith, Carly Pearce, Gabby Barrett, Andress, Kacey Musgraves, Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Madeline Edwards, Maren Morris, Guyton, Morgan Wade, Miko Marks, Tenille Arts and more.
CMT’s flagship series, CMT Hot 20 Countdown, hosted by Cody Alan and Rissi Palmer, will air a dedicated Next Women of Country three-hour special episode introducing the Class of 2023 with exclusive interviews and performances from each new inductee. The episode is slated to air Feb. 11 at 7 a.m. CT with an encore presentation on Feb. 12 at 8 a.m. CT on CMT.
Ruston Kelly’s Third Project, ‘The Weakness,’ Slated For April
/by Lorie HollabaughRuston Kelly. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Ruston Kelly will release his third album, The Weakness, on April 7 via Rounder Records. The project’s first single, its title track, is out now.
The new project was created following a period of solitude where Kelly spent time processing the life-altering changes he’d endured over the past few years, including a very public divorce, as well as major upheaval in his immediate family. He moved into an old Victorian bungalow Portland, Tennessee to carve out the songs that would make up the candid album.
On The Weakness, Kelly collaborated for the first time with producer and songwriter Nate Mercereau, who welcomed the artist into his Los Angeles-based Studio, Tujunga.
“I felt a real need to understand myself a little better, and to rediscover the true foundation of who I am. The way I’d always worked in the past is that the song comes first, and the production helps to lift its meaning and intent,” Kelly explains. “But this time there was a much greater focus on creating a sonic atmosphere that speaks just as loudly and feels just as emotional as the lyrics and voice.”
He continues, “The overall narrative of the record is that there’s a variety of weaknesses that I need to deal with, and a variety of strengths that I need to bolster. I truly do believe that acknowledging your weaknesses and digging deeper to understand yourself goes hand-in-hand with becoming a greater human being.”
Kelly is currently on tour with Noah Kahan, and will support The Weakness with new tour dates to be announced soon.
Walker County Unveil Debut EP, ‘No Smoke And Mirrors,’ Due In February
/by Lydia FarthingNearly a decade after signing their major label record deal with Warner Music Nashville, sister duo Walker County will release their debut EP on Feb. 10.
With Sophie sitting in on the drums and Ivy showcasing her soulful vocals, No Smoke And Mirrors creates a blend of country music inspired by the sounds of their native middle America.
Made up of five tracks, the EP includes the recently released “You and Jesus” featuring Greylan James. The pair also shared “Mirror Mirror,” another of the project’s tunes, last week along with its official music video that sees the pair embracing their natural beauty. The sisters penned the empowering ballad alongside Autumn McEntire and Jennifer Schott.
“It’s so important to us to be good examples for the next generation,” Sophie shared on social media. “Even though we love getting glam and wearing fun makeup looks, we realize that in today’s world there is an immense pressure on women and young girls. Our society’s beauty standards are impossible to keep up with, and we never want to contribute to that. We believe that each and every one of us are divinely created. YOU are beautiful and you are one of a kind. We hope anyone who watches this video, man or woman, knows that this is true. Please be kind to yourself, you are the only you there is, and you are loved just the way you are!”
The CMT Listen Up and Next Women of Country artists have spent much time on the road opening for the likes of Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Martina McBride, Old Dominion and more. They’ve already earned millions of streams with fan-favorite tracks like “Bits & Pieces” and “Drag It Out.”
No Smoke And Mirrors Track List:
1. Stoned
2. Mirror Mirror
3. Between Boyfriends
4. Yours Tonight
5. You and Jesus
20th Anniversary SOURCE Hall Of Fame Awards Set For The End Of August
/by Liza AndersonThe SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards have celebrated women in the music industry for two decades now. This year’s select group of honorees will be inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame during the 20th Anniversary SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
The ceremony will take place at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. The event will once again be presented by Springer Mountain Farms. Names of the 2023 inductees and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is the longest running organization for females in the Nashville music industry, and is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through education, networking and community service initiatives.
In 2003, Kay Smith established the SOURCE Awards to honor the women who have helped to shape and build upon Nashville’s entertainment industry. Honorees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years they have worked within the industry and their level of community involvement.
For more information, click here.