Nate Smith. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
One of Sony Music Nashville’s newest soulful singers, Nate Smith, has quite the story to tell as he’s gone from California to Nashville and back again… twice.
First coming to town in 2008 with a failed record deal and a marriage that went sour, Smith stayed in town for a few years before heading back to his hometown of Paradise, California, ultimately deciding to give up on his dreams of a music career for good. He spent his time post-Nashville rolling through a handful of odd jobs, including becoming a nursing assistant, driving Uber, landscaping, working at a dental office, and helping his brother build their childhood church’s youth group.
Nate Smith and MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
However, out of nowhere disaster struck in November of 2018 as California’s deadliest fire took over Smith’s hometown.
After losing everything, one of his friends sent him a guitar and, before he knew it, music was once again a source of healing and passion for Smith as he began writing songs and sharing them to social media.
“I ended up writing a song about the fire and put it on Facebook to help me and other people heal. It was really cool to see what music can do for people, and it reignited my passion for writing songs,” Smith shared in a recent visit with MusicRow. “I did some benefit shows and got a band together, but eventually my friends were like, ‘You need to go back to Nashville.’ They even started a GoFundMe for me.”
Upon coming back to town, he was introduced to Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman with The Core Entertainment, who eventually signed him to a management deal. From there the pieces began falling into place, as he quickly inked a publishing deal with Sony Music Nashville and a booking deal with CAA before getting signed to Sony Music Nashville in November of 2021.
“I’m so thankful that I got a publishing deal before a record deal so that I could learn my voice and learn how to write what is authentic for me,” Smith explained. “[Signing with Sony] was a pretty emotional moment for me. It was something that I wanted my whole life, and I’m so glad that I’m at the age I’m at now [when it happened]. When I was 23, if I would have followed through with that record deal, I probably would have made it about myself. Now, I just have a stronger mission.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell, Haley Crow, and Lydia Farthing; Nate Smith; MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson and Alex Parry
He adds, “Some of my songs are drinking songs, for sure, but a lot of my songs are hope-filled. I just have a heart for people and I realized the more that I make it about them, the more I’m aligned with what I’m supposed to do.”
With only nine released tracks under his belt, Smith delivers quite the punch with his booming range and honey-dipped vocals. As a writer on all of his songs, and always backed by Joel Bruyere on production, Smith has also written alongside Emily Weisband, Dan Fernandes, Seth Corbitt, Jonathan Smith, and more.
Among his discography are some of his most personal stories and experiences, including delving into his divorce and his everlasting hope for love in “Sleeve,” missing home and the enduring influence of his upbringing in “Raised Up,” and being in a platonic relationship where he’s fully accepted and understood in “Under My Skin,” which has collected over 45 million streams since its release.
Smith’s newest release, though, is his moving ballad “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven,” which has spawned a choir version and a brand new duet featuring labelmate Tenille Townes. The original solo track, which was released in November of 2021, garnered over 2 million streams in its first week and now boasts over 25 million streams worldwide.
“The title is a little confusing and I do want to go to heaven, but just not yet,” Smith quipped. “I wanna steward what I’ve got and just be appreciative of the things that are in my life. I wrote it with my buddy Dan [Fernandes] and we never thought that it would be the next single.”
He continued, “I don’t know how I got [Tenille] to agree to record the song with me. I was having lunch with Randy [Goodman] at Sony and I told him that I would love to have someone sing that song with me. He asked who I had in mind and I told him Tenille so he said, ‘Ask her.’ So I DMed her and she said yes. I was pretty excited because she was my first choice and I just love her voice so much because it’s so unique.”
Coming off a packed fall touring schedule alongside Brett Eldredge and Whiskey Myers, Smith will make his Opry debut on April 9 with more music expected to come later this year.
Winners Unveiled For 2022 BMI Trailblazers Of Gospel Music Awards
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Catherine Brewton, Jeshua “TedyP” Williams, Wardell Malloy and Mike O’Neill. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Winners for the 2022 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards were recently celebrated at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville. BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, as well as the top 20 songs of the previous year were all honored at the private event hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill, and BMI’s Vice President, Creative-Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.
The event kicked off with Mali Music performing the Grammy award-winning song “Movin On,” co-written with Jonathan McReynolds and Terrell Demetrius Wilson. Natalie Grant followed with a performance of Donald Lawrence’s hit song, “God,” which she is featured on. CeCe Winans also gave a powerful rendition of “Believe for It.”
Pictured (L-R): Kierra Sheard and J. Drew Sheard II. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year was a four-way tie between Aaron Lindsey, J Drew Sheard II, Kierra Sheard and Jeshua “TedyP” Williams.
Grammy, Dove and Stellar award-winning songwriter Lindsey was honored for two chart-topping songs: “It Belongs to Me,” co-written and performed by Juan and Lisa Winans (feat. Marvin Winans) and “Thank You for It All,” co-written by Jarmone E. Davis and Marvin Sapp. Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer Williams was honored for his work on “Hold Me Close” and for co-writing “Trouble Won’t Last” with Keyondra Lockett, who won her first BMI award for the hit single.
Drew and Sheard were honored for co-writing “His Love” and “It Keeps Happening,” which marked Kierra’s first No. 1 single at Gospel radio as a solo artist and her third No. 1 overall on the Gospel Airplay chart. This also marks the first time that siblings have received this honor at a Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards ceremony.
BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year was “Speak to Me,” co-written by Troy Taylor and featuring samples from Donnie McClurkin’s 1996 single “Speak to My Heart.” The hit single, performed by Koryn Hawthorne, spent 41 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Chart and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2021 Dove Awards. This was McClurkin’s fifth BMI Gospel Award, and Taylor added his first BMI Gospel Award to his collection of honors, which includes three BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.
Pictured (L-R): Phil Thornton, BMI Vice President Catherine Brewton, BMI AVP Creative Los Angeles Wardell Malloy, and Tamar Rand. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Be Essential Songs for having hits such as “In Spite of Me,” “Movin’ On,” and “Never Lost” among its repertoire.
The ceremony also featured performances by gospel greats and BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Icons, Sapp and Kirk Franklin, as well as rising gospel star DOE. Greg Cox joined Franklin on stage for a rendition of “Strong God,” which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. To close out the performances, Jekalyn Carr gave a rousing rendition of “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin as a tribute to the gospel legend.
The top 20 Gospel Songs of the previous year were awarded prior to the ceremony, welcoming 27 first-time winners. Some of the emerging songwriters who collected their first BMI award included Byron Cage, Emerald Campbell, Quennel Gaskin and Juan Winans, to name a few.
On The Row: Nate Smith Showcases His Soul, Sincerity & Story Of Hope
/by Lydia FarthingNate Smith. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
One of Sony Music Nashville’s newest soulful singers, Nate Smith, has quite the story to tell as he’s gone from California to Nashville and back again… twice.
First coming to town in 2008 with a failed record deal and a marriage that went sour, Smith stayed in town for a few years before heading back to his hometown of Paradise, California, ultimately deciding to give up on his dreams of a music career for good. He spent his time post-Nashville rolling through a handful of odd jobs, including becoming a nursing assistant, driving Uber, landscaping, working at a dental office, and helping his brother build their childhood church’s youth group.
Nate Smith and MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow
However, out of nowhere disaster struck in November of 2018 as California’s deadliest fire took over Smith’s hometown.
After losing everything, one of his friends sent him a guitar and, before he knew it, music was once again a source of healing and passion for Smith as he began writing songs and sharing them to social media.
“I ended up writing a song about the fire and put it on Facebook to help me and other people heal. It was really cool to see what music can do for people, and it reignited my passion for writing songs,” Smith shared in a recent visit with MusicRow. “I did some benefit shows and got a band together, but eventually my friends were like, ‘You need to go back to Nashville.’ They even started a GoFundMe for me.”
Upon coming back to town, he was introduced to Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman with The Core Entertainment, who eventually signed him to a management deal. From there the pieces began falling into place, as he quickly inked a publishing deal with Sony Music Nashville and a booking deal with CAA before getting signed to Sony Music Nashville in November of 2021.
“I’m so thankful that I got a publishing deal before a record deal so that I could learn my voice and learn how to write what is authentic for me,” Smith explained. “[Signing with Sony] was a pretty emotional moment for me. It was something that I wanted my whole life, and I’m so glad that I’m at the age I’m at now [when it happened]. When I was 23, if I would have followed through with that record deal, I probably would have made it about myself. Now, I just have a stronger mission.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell, Haley Crow, and Lydia Farthing; Nate Smith; MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson and Alex Parry
He adds, “Some of my songs are drinking songs, for sure, but a lot of my songs are hope-filled. I just have a heart for people and I realized the more that I make it about them, the more I’m aligned with what I’m supposed to do.”
With only nine released tracks under his belt, Smith delivers quite the punch with his booming range and honey-dipped vocals. As a writer on all of his songs, and always backed by Joel Bruyere on production, Smith has also written alongside Emily Weisband, Dan Fernandes, Seth Corbitt, Jonathan Smith, and more.
Among his discography are some of his most personal stories and experiences, including delving into his divorce and his everlasting hope for love in “Sleeve,” missing home and the enduring influence of his upbringing in “Raised Up,” and being in a platonic relationship where he’s fully accepted and understood in “Under My Skin,” which has collected over 45 million streams since its release.
Smith’s newest release, though, is his moving ballad “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven,” which has spawned a choir version and a brand new duet featuring labelmate Tenille Townes. The original solo track, which was released in November of 2021, garnered over 2 million streams in its first week and now boasts over 25 million streams worldwide.
“The title is a little confusing and I do want to go to heaven, but just not yet,” Smith quipped. “I wanna steward what I’ve got and just be appreciative of the things that are in my life. I wrote it with my buddy Dan [Fernandes] and we never thought that it would be the next single.”
He continued, “I don’t know how I got [Tenille] to agree to record the song with me. I was having lunch with Randy [Goodman] at Sony and I told him that I would love to have someone sing that song with me. He asked who I had in mind and I told him Tenille so he said, ‘Ask her.’ So I DMed her and she said yes. I was pretty excited because she was my first choice and I just love her voice so much because it’s so unique.”
Coming off a packed fall touring schedule alongside Brett Eldredge and Whiskey Myers, Smith will make his Opry debut on April 9 with more music expected to come later this year.
Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini Among Presenters At Upcoming Grammy Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban and Kelsea Ballerini are among the list of presenters for the upcoming 64th Annual Grammy Awards on April 3.
Other presenters include Megan Thee Stallion, Joni Mitchell, Questlove, Lenny Kravitz, Dua Lipa, Ludacris, Billy Porter, Bonnie Raitt, Avril Lavigne, Jared Leto, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Anthony Mackie.
Previously announced performers on the show include J Balvin with Maria Becerra, Jon Batiste, Brothers Osborne, BTS, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish, Cynthia Erivo, H.E.R., Lady Gaga, John Legend, Lil Nas X with Jack Harlow, Maverick City Music, Nas, Aymée Nuviola, Leslie Odom, Jr., Ben Platt, Olivia Rodrigo, Silk Sonic, Chris Stapleton, Billy Strings, Carrie Underwood, and Rachel Zegler.
Hosted by Trevor Noah, the show will air live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Lineup Announced For 26th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival
/by LB CantrellThe lineup has been announced for the Key West Songwriters Festival, held by Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and presented by BMI. Now in its 26th year, the beloved festival will once again bring together music lovers and over 130 music makers to venues across the island between May 4 – 8, 2022.
Multi-Platinum Sony Music Nashville artist Chris Young will headline a show at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater on Thursday evening (May 5). Saturday night (May 7) will feature the annual free block party featuring BMLG recording artist Riley Green.
Big Loud’s Ernest will open the festival Wednesday night (May 4) at the annual kick-off party at the Ocean Key Resort’s Sunset Pier. Also among this year’s confirmed performers include Hall of Fame songwriters Liz Rose, BMI Country Icon honoree Dean Dillon, Jeffrey Steele, Craig Wiseman, Kostas, and Texas legend Jack Ingram.
Since 1997, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and BMI have brought Music Row to Duval Street and beyond at the Key West Songwriters Festival. Over the years the festival has become a sought-after opportunity for the Nashville songwriting community. Notable Key West Songwriter Festival alumni include Kacey Musgraves, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, and Cole Swindell.
Proceeds from the Key West Songwriters Festival will benefit the BMI Foundation, a nonprofit that since 1985 supports the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants, and commissions. Delta is the official airline of the Key West Songwriters Festival and will host a “Lift Off to the Kickoff” party at the Nashville International Airport in celebration of their nonstop round-trip flight to the festival.
Visit keywestsongwritersfestival.com for event information, schedule, and ticketing.
The Judds To Reunite For CMT Music Awards Performance
/by Lydia FarthingThe Judds
5x Grammy-winning duo The Judds will reunite for the first time in more than two decades as they mark their first performance on the 2022 CMT Music Awards. Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini and Anthony Mackie, the show will broadcast live from Nashville on Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. CT on CBS and Paramount+*.
One of the most successful duos in country music history, Wynonna and Naomi Judd will perform their international hit and chart-topping single, “Love Can Build A Bridge” with the Country Music Hall of Fame as their background, signaling a nod to the duo’s upcoming 2022 induction this May.
2x CMT Music Awards nominee Kacey Musgraves will introduce the duo’s performance and acknowledge the lasting influence that The Judds’ music has had on her career.
The mother-daughter duo celebrated a stretch of 14 No. 1 hits as each single released by Curb/RCA landed in the Billboard top 10. The Judds also dominated touring in the ‘80s with 20 top 10 hits and have sold more than 20 million albums. Together, The Judds have 16 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum albums.
Other previously announced performers for the CMT Music Awards include Ballerini, Kane Brown, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd, Carly Pearce, Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson, and Keith Urban. Rising stars Priscilla Block, Breland, Jessie James Decker, Parker McCollum, Elvie Shane and Caitlyn Smith will also appear on the Ram Trucks Side Stage.
Fan voting for the 2022 CMT Music Awards is now open at vote.cmt.com. For a full list of nominations, click here.
Judah & The Lion Experience ‘Revival’ On Upcoming Summer Release
/by Lydia FarthingJudah & the Lion
Judah & the Lion will release their fourth full-length studio album, Revival, on June 10 via Cletus the Van/Virgin Music. Their next single, “Happy Life,” along with its accompanying music video is available now.
The new album was recorded at Echo Mountain in Asheville, North Carolina, and finds the band trying to recapture the innocence of their youth, embracing the sadness of the last few years, and welcoming the future with a renewed energy resembling that of the group’s early days.
For Revival, frontman Judah Akers tackles grief and anxiety at home without the ability to shut out his emotions with non-stop touring. “Being home and not getting to mask my emotions with being on tour and being around crowds was big,” he shares. “It’s an easy distraction because you can avoid dealing with it emotionally. You can get on stage and perform, and everything’s fine.”
Band member Brian Macdonald also had a journey in finding peace as his wife attended a graduate program in Sweden, thousands of miles from home. As the world slowed to a halt, he had to find comfort in Visby Island’s cold, lonely, and grey terrain.
Also during the last few tumultuous years, founding member Nate Zuercher told the group that he was leaving the band. As a result, Macdonald picked up the banjo, trying his best to fill the void Zuercher left, but ultimately offering a new style and energy, all of which is reflected on the upcoming project.
The band will be performing at Bonnaroo on June 18, as well as the Wonderfront Festival from Nov. 18-20 in San Diego.
1. Open Your Eyes
2. Take A Walk
3. scream!
4. HAPPY LIFE
5. Blue Eyes
6. Landslide
7. make me a kid again
8. Revival
9. Find Another Reason Why
10. Be Here Now
11. Things Are Looking Up
CMA Presents International Awards In Sydney & London To The Shires, Michael Chugg, More
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Helen Thomas, Head of Station at BBC Radio 2; Bob Harris, OBE, Presenter at BBC Radio 2; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; The Shires’ Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle; and Milly Olykan, CMA Vice President, International Relations and Development. Photo: Luke Dyson/CMA
The CMA awarded four of its 2021 CMA International Awards this month in Sydney and London.
“The CMA International Awards honor some of the many individuals that we are proud to know and work with in our international country community,” says Milly Olykan, CMA Vice President, International Relations and Development. “As country music continues to develop and expand its audiences around the world, we could not do what we do without the work and resources these individuals put in to build and promote country music in their market. We are grateful for their continued support and thrilled to honor them with these awards.”
Pictured (L-R): Natalie Waller, Head of ABC Music and Events, Michael Chugg, Susan Heymann, Chief Operating Officer of Frontier Touring, and Jeremy Dylan, CEO of Rob Potts Entertainment. Photo: Mia Maclean
Australian promoter Michael Chugg was awarded the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award through a video message from Morgan Evans (whose longtime manager was Potts); CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, Warner Music Nashville Chairman & CEO John Esposito, and Australian country artist Casey Barnes.
While in London, Absolute Radio Country U.K. broadcaster Baylen Leonard was awarded the International Country Broadcaster Award; Ricky Marshall, Program Manager at Absolute Radio Country, was presented with the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award; and U.K. Country duo, The Shires were awarded the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award during C2C weekend in London.
Pictured (L-R): Milly Olykan, CMA Vice President, International Relations and Development, Ricky Marshall, Baylen Leonard, and Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. Photo: Luke Dyson/CMA
Trahern presented Leonard and Marshall with their awards on stage at the sold-out CMA Songwriters Series event on March 10, and The Shires were presented with their award at a CMA-hosted reception on March 11.
Previously announced 2021 CMA International Award recipients include Luke Combs, who was presented the International Artist Achievement Award; and Chris York, Director of SJM Concerts and one of the founding co-promoters of Country to Country (C2C), who was presented the Jo Walker Meador International Award.
The CMA International Awards honor industry executives and artists who have supported and made a difference towards the growth and promotion of country music in the international marketplace. Nominees are recognized in six categories acknowledging their dedication and efforts in growing opportunities for country music in their local territories.
Luke Bryan Gets Raised ‘Up’ To No. 1 On MusicRow Chart
/by Alex ParryLuke Bryan continues to rise “Up,” jumping three positions into the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. “Up” was written by Jeremy Bussey, Taylor Phillips, and Bobby Pinson. This is the sixth single to go No. 1 on MusicRow from Bryan’s Born Here Live Here Die Here album.
Shaun Silva directed the music video for “Up,” which features personal videos of Bryan’s family while he was growing up as well as new footage shot in recent months, fishing with his dad, hunting with his two sons, and holding his kids for the very first time.
“When I saw the footage of my boys with both their grandfathers and then the closeup clip of my brother basically looking at me it was so overwhelming,” says Bryan. “I could not be prouder, not only of the message of this song, but also how this video turned out. I hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as I have.”
Bryan is hitting the road on his “Raised Up Right Tour,” beginning in June. Riley Green, Mitchell Tenpenny and DJ Rock will join Bryan on the tour, which takes its name from the chorus of “Up.”
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Charles Esten, Hailey Whitters, More Join Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughLive In The Vineyard Goes Country has added more talent to the lineup for the upcoming slate of shows, set for April 26-28 in Napa Valley, California.
Kassi Ashton and Charles Esten are set to perform on the Mainstage at The Uptown Theatre on Wednesday, April 27; Ashley Cooke, Ashland Craft, Griffen Palmer, and Hailey Whitters will perform at the Send-Off Brunch at Domaine Chandon on Thursday, April 28; and Nashvillains and Cali Tucker will perform at private VIP events taking place at wineries throughout Napa Valley.
Previously announced talent for Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2022 include Jessie James Decker, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Joe Nichols at the Opening Reception at Charles Krug on April 26; Hannah Ellis, Jameson Rodgers, and Lee Brice at the VIP Tailgate at Peju, and Chase Rice, Breland, Morgan Evans, Tyler Braden, and Caroline Jones at the Mainstage event at The Uptown Theatre on April 27.
LITVGC give attendees intimate access to recording artists, premier Napa Valley wineries, and world-renowned chefs during the exclusive event. The 3-day event brings together music supervisors, radio programmers, DSP curators, label executives, VIPs, corporate hospitality groups, and more from around the country to hear brand new music by today’s artists as well as the most popular emerging artists.
Tin Pan South Night Two Features Hillary Lindsey, Lee Thomas Miller, Chris DeStefano
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Chris DeStefano, Lee Thomas Miller, and Wendell Mobley performing in Songs Meet Symphony (stage sponsored by Visit Music City) at the late 3rd & Lindsley show. Photo: Tin Pan South/Sydney Zuyus
More great music was the highlight of a rainy Nashville night on Wednesday (March 30) as Tin Pan South presented more great shows.
For the 6 o’clock show at 3rd & Lindsley, Hillary Lindsey, Cary Barlowe, Ben Chapman, Chris LaCorte, and Meg McRee hit the stage to play some of their hits, while Round Hill songwriters Jimmy Robbins, Adam Sanders, Kevin Griffin, and Zac Maloy entertained at The Listening Room.
Artist-writers Johnny Gates, Sam Grow, Madeline Merlo, and Josh Mirenda played some tunes at the Bluebird Cafe; and Josh Dorr, Scott Stepakoff, and Tigirlilly played the Cross-Eyed Critters stage at the Graduate hotel.
Pictured (L-R): Randy Montana, Troy Cartwright, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Billy Montana, and Wynn Varble. Photo: Courtesy of BMI
During the 9 o’clock hour, Eric Dodd, Makayla Lynn, and Jason Tucker entertained in a benefit round for Songs for Sound, an organization centered on hearing health.
Andy Albert, Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton, and Kendell Marvel entertained at The Lounge at City Winery, while Chris DeStefano, Lee Thomas Miller, and Wendell Mobley set up camp at 3rd & Lindsley for the Songs Meet Symphony round.
BMI held its annual round at the Listening Room Café with affiliates Randy Montana, Billy Montana, Wynn Varble, and Troy Cartwright performing.
Another night of shows will commence tonight (March 31) at 6 p.m. Check the Tin Pan South schedule for tonight’s shows featuring Ashley Gorley, Liz Rose, Will Weatherly, Victoria Shaw, Jimmie Allen, and more.
Pictured (L-R): Meg McCree and Ben Chapman perform at 3rd & Lindsley (stage sponsored by Visit Music City) during the early show. Photo: Tin Pan South/ Sydney Zuyus
Pictured (L-R): Josh Dorr, Tigirlilly, and Scott Stepakoff perform at the early show at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole. Photo: Tin Pan South/Savannah Grimm
Pictured (L-R): Dalton Stanley, Sean Stemaly, Stephen Wilson Jr., Matt Roy, and Jordan Harvey at Elliston Place Soda Shop. Photo: Tin Pan South/Brittni Talley