57th Annual ACM Awards Nominees: See The Full List

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The nominees have been revealed for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards.

The ACM Awards, hosted by Dolly Parton alongside Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett, will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 7, and will exclusively stream on Prime Video.

Allen and Barrett announced select nominees this morning (Feb. 10) on the ACM official Twitter account. Both nabbed nominations for the Male and Female Artist of the Year categories, respectively.

Leading the ACM nominees this year is Chris Young with seven nominations including for Album of the Year and Single of the Year. He shares three of his nominations with fellow artist and collaborator Kane Brown for their hit “Famous Friends.”

Miranda Lambert receives a record-tying 16th Female Artist of the Year nomination (tied with Reba McEntire), as well as four other nominations. Walker Hayes, a first-time nominee, also receives five nominations; as does Chris Stapleton, including his fourth nod for Entertainer of the Year and his seventh for Male Artist of the Year.

Jordan Davis, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, and Morgan Wallen each receive four nominations.

Notably, there are women nominated in every single eligible main awards category this year. Female pulled in 37% of nominations this year, compared to an average of 35% in the past 5 years.

Stapleton, Lambert and Luke Combs are nominees for Entertainer of the Year. A win for either artist in that category will also clinch the coveted Triple Crown Award, which consists of an Entertainer of the Year win, plus wins in an act’s respective New Artist (male, female, or duo or group) and Artist (male, female, duo or group) categories.

Lambert and Kelsea Ballerini both receive nominations as producers for the first time, while Nicolle Galyon receives her first Songwriter of the Year nomination. Galyon has previously been nominated for three ACM Awards, winning two, and is the second woman to be nominated for Songwriter of the Year.

Marking a year of collaborations, all videos nominated for Video of the Year are collaborations for the first time in ACM Awards history.

Overall, this year’s nominations include 31 artists and industry creators receiving their first-ever ACM Awards nominations. Cameron Bartolini, Brandon Bell, Ryan Byrd, Priscilla Block, Alexa Campbell, Jacob Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Jacob Durrett, Kat Higgins, Walker Hayes, Ryan Hurd, Adam James, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins, Billy Justineau, Viktor Krauss, Blake Lively, Todd Lombardo, Josh Matheny, Jason Nix, Kathy Palmer, Lily Rose, Elvie Shane, Caitlyn Smith, Jonathan Singleton, Wesley Stebbins-Perry, Shane Stevens, James Stratakis, Austin Swift, Joe Thibodeau and Lainey Wilson all receive their first ACM Award nomination.

See the full list of ACM nominees below:

Main Awards:
Entertainer Of The Year
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood

Female Artist Of The Year
Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce

Male Artist Of The Year
Jimmie Allen
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen

Duo Of The Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
LOCASH
Maddie & Tae

Group Of The Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
The Cadillac Three

New Female Artist Of The Year 
Tenille Arts
Priscilla Block
Lily Rose
Caitlyn Smith
Lainey Wilson

New Male Artist Of The Year 
HARDY
Walker Hayes
Ryan Hurd
Parker McCollum
Elvie Shane

Album Of The Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
29: Written in Stone – Carly Pearce
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Jimmy Robbins, Tony Brown
Record Company-Label: Big Machine Records

Country Again: Side A – Thomas Rhett
Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure, Matt Dragstrem
Record Company-Label: Big Machine Label Group

Dangerous: The Double Album – Morgan Wallen
Producer: Joey Moi, Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Matt Dragstrem, Dave Cohen
Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records / Republic Records

Famous Friends – Chris Young
Producer: Mark Holman, Corey Crowder, Chris Young, Chris DeStefano
Record Company-Label: RCA Records Nashville

The Marfa Tapes – Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall
Producers: Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall
Record Company-Label: Vanner Records / RCA Records Nashville

Single Of The Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Buy Dirt – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
Record Company-Label: MCA Nashville

Famous Friends – Chris Young and Kane Brown
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
Record Company-Label: RCA Records Nashville

Fancy Like – Walker Hayes
Producers: Walker Hayes, Shane McAnally, Joe Thibodeau
Record Company-Label: Monument Records

If I Didn’t Love You – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
Producers: Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Broken Bow Records; Macon Music, LLC; BBR Music Group, BMG

You Should Probably Leave – Chris Stapleton
Producer: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Record Company-Label: Mercury Nashville

Song Of The Year [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
7 Summers – Morgan Wallen
Songwriters: Morgan Wallen, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally
Publishers: Big Loud Mountain, Bo Wallace Publishing, Smackborne Music, Sony/ATV Accent, Smackstreet Music, Tempo Investments, Warner Geo Met Ric Music

Buy Dirt – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
Songwriters: Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins
Publishers: Anthem Music Publishing II, Bentprop Pub, Big Blue Nation Music, Combustion Five, Jentown, Jordan Davis Music, Smackwork Music, Smack Blue, Kobalt Music Group Music, Universal Music Corporation, WC Music Corp

Fancy Like – Walker Hayes
Songwriters: Cameron Bartolini, Josh Jenkins, Shane Stevens, Walker Hayes
Publishers: Songs of SMACK, Rarespark Media Group, Smackworks Music, Smack Blue, Kobalt Music Group, Holy Graffiti Music, Purplebeatz, WC Music Corp

Knowing You – Kenny Chesney
Songwriters: Adam James, Brett James, Kat Higgins
Publishers: 3 Ring Circus, BMG Platinum Songs, Pompano Run Music, Songs of Brett, WC Music Corp

Things A Man Oughta Know – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson
Publishers: Sony/ATV Accent, Sony/ATV Countryside, Spirit Two Nashville, Super Big Music

Video Of The Year [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home) – Elle King and Miranda Lambert
Producers: Angie Lorenz, Wes Edwards, James Stratakis
Directors: Alexa Kinigopoulos, Stephen Kinigopoulos

Famous Friends – Chris Young and Kane Brown
Producer: Jennifer Ansell
Director: Peter Zavadil

I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift featuring Chris Stapleton
Producers: Jil Hardin, Blake Lively, Kathy Palmer, Austin Swift
Director: Blake Lively

If I Didn’t Love You – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
Producers: Christen Pinkston, Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: Shaun Silva

Never Wanted To Be That Girl – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Producer: Ryan Byrd
Director: Alexa Campbell

Songwriter Of The Year (Off Camera Award)
Jesse Frasure
Nicolle Galyon
Ashley Gorley
Michael Hardy
Josh Osborne

Music Event Of The Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Buy Dirt – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
Record Company-Label: MCA Nashville

Famous Friends – Chris Young and Kane Brown
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
Record Company-Label: RCA Records Nashville

half of my hometown – Kelsea Ballerini featuring Kenny Chesney
Producers: Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins, Kelsea Ballerini
Record Company-Label: Black River Entertainment

If I Didn’t Love You – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
Producer: Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Broken Bow Records; Macon Music, LLC; BBR Music Group, BMG

Never Wanted To Be That Girl – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
Record Company-Label: Big Machine Label Group, Warner Music Nashville

The 2021 Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards will be presented to recipients at Academy of Country Music Honors, a special event held annually in August at the historic Ryman Auditorium. More details to be announced in coming months.

Studio Recording Awards
Bass Player Of The Year
J.T. Cure
Mark Hill
Viktor Krauss
Jimmie Lee Sloas
Glenn Worf

Drummer Of The Year
Chad Cromwell
Fred Eltringham
Evan Hutchings
Derek Mixon
Jerry Roe
Nir Z

Acoustic Guitar Player Of The Year
Dave Cobb
Todd Lombardo
Bryan Sutton
Ilya Toshinskiy
Charlie Worsham

Piano/Keyboards Player Of The Year
David Dorn
Charlie Judge
Billy Justineau
Gordon Mote
Benmont Tench

Specialty Instrument Player Of The Year
Stuart Duncan
Paul Franklin
Josh Matheny
Mickey Raphael
Kristin Wilkinson

Electric Guitar Player Of The Year
Tom Bukovac
Dan Dugmore
Jedd Hughes
Rob McNelley
Derek Wells

Audio Engineer Of The Year
Brandon Bell
Jim Cooley
Gena Johnson
Jason Hall
Vance Powell

Producer Of The Year
Buddy Cannon
Dave Cobb
Ian Fitchuk
Dann Huff
Joey Moi

Industry Awards
Casino Of The Year – Theater
Agua Caliente – Rancho Mirage, CA
Choctaw Casino – Durant, OK
Deadwood Mountain Grand – Deadwood, SD
Resorts World – Las Vegas, NV
Soaring Eagle Casino – Mt. Pleasant, MI

Casino Of The Year – Arena
Hard Rock (Live at Etess Arena) – Atlantic City, NJ
Laughlin Event Center – Laughlin, NV
Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
Mystic Lake Casino – Prior Lake, MN

Festival Of The Year
Carolina Country Music Fest – Myrtle Beach, SC
Country Thunder – Florence, AZ
Faster Horses Festival – Brooklyn, MI
Tortuga Music Festival – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Windy City Smokeout Festival – Chicago, IL

Fair/Rodeo Of The Year
Auburn Rodeo – Auburn, AL
California Mid-State Fair – Paso Robles, CA
Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, WY
Minnesota State Fair – St. Paul, MN
San Antonio Rodeo – San Antonio, TX

Club Of The Year
Basement East – Nashville, TN
Billy Bob’s – Ft. Worth, TX
Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK
Coca-Cola Roxy – Atlanta, GA
Georgia Theatre – Athens, GA

Theater Of The Year
American Music Theatre – Lancaster, PA
Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
Blue Gate Performing Arts Center – Shipshewana, IN
Ruth Eckerd Hall – Clearwater, FL
Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN

Outdoor Venue Of The Year
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion – Gilford, NH
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL
The Wharf Amphitheater – Orange Beach, AL
Whitewater Amphitheater – New Braunfels, TX

Arena Of The Year
BOK Center – Tulsa, OK
Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
Dickies Arena – Ft. Worth, TX
Ford Center – Evansville, IN
Rupp Arena – Lexington, KY

Don Romeo Talent Buyer Of The Year
Brent Fedrizzi
Michelle Romeo
RJ Romeo
Shawn Radley
Todd Boltin

Promoter Of The Year
Aaron Spalding
Adam Weiser
Bradley Jordan
Brian O’Connell
Ed Warm

Nashville Artists & Venues Represent At 33rd Annual ‘Pollstar’ Awards

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33rd annual Pollstar Awards. Photo: Courtesy Scoop Marketing

The 33rd annual Pollstar Awards, presented by Live Nation, returned to their in-person format last night (Feb. 8) at the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom. Hosted by comedian Steve Treviño, the night recognized the most successful artists, venues, and executives on both artistic and commercial levels.

Representing Nashville and country music, Chris Stapleton‘s “All American Road Show,” which set up camp for two back-to-back nights in Nashville in December, took home the honor for Best Country Tour. Elsewhere, Billy Strings earned the award for Best New Headliner/Artist Development Story.

Colin Keegan, Talent Buyer & Director of Booking at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, at the 33rd annual Pollstar Awards. Photo: Courtesy Scoop Marketing

On the venues front, Music City demonstrated how it got its namesake with wins for Theatre of the Year going to the historic Ryman Auditorium and Best New Concert Venue – Small Venue being awarded to the city’s coolest new venue Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. Bridgestone Arena’s Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Venues, David Kells, walked away with Venue Executive of the Year.

“2021 will be remembered as the year that artists were able to once again connect with fans at live events around the world, and Pollstar is thrilled to be able to recognize the artists, venues, events and executives who were able to make that happen at the highest level, as determined by their peers,” said Ray Waddell, President of Media & Conferences for Oak View Group, Pollstar’s parent company. “This year’s Pollstar Awards is a celebration of live entertainment, and we salute the winners, nominees and all who participate in the greatest business there is.”

David Kells, Bridgestone Arena’s Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Venues, at the 33rd annual Pollstar Awards. Photo: Courtesy Scoop Marketing

Among the other top honors, Harry Styles won the award for Major Tour of the Year; Foo Fighters for Best Rock Tour; J. Cole for Best Hip-Hop Tour; Earth, Wind & Fire for Best R&B Tour; Maroon 5 for Best Pop Tour; and Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin for Best Latin Tour.

Additional awards from the night honored venues and venue executives, talent buyers, promoters, agents and agencies, talent managers, tour managers, and more. To see the full list of winners click here.

Partial List of 33rd Annual Pollstar Awards Winners:
Best Country Tour – Chris Stapleton, Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show Tour
Best New Headliner/Artist Development Story – Billy Strings
Theatre of the Year – Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tenn.
Best New Concert Venue – Small Venue – Brooklyn Bowl, Nashville, Tenn.
Venue Executive of the Year – David Kells, Bridgestone Arena

LoCash Collaborates With Beach Boys Mike Love & Bruce Johnston

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Pictured (L-R): Mike Love (The Beach Boys), LoCash’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, John Cowsill (The Beach Boys). Photo: Jenn Curtis

BBR Music Group/BMG’s Wheelhouse Records duo LoCash tapped into a good vibration for their newest single, “Beach Boys.”

Incorporating the hook from the iconic Beach Boys song “I Get Around,” the pair originally released the track as a solo version on their Woods & Water EP. “Beach Boys” was written by the duo’s Chris Lucas and Preston Brust, alongside Dallas Wilson and Jared Mullins. The Beach Boys co-founders Brian Wilson and Mike Love are also credited songwriters.

Now, Love and longtime Beach Boys band member Bruce Johnston are featured on the track.

“The day we wrote ‘Beach Boys,’ I remember Chris and I dreaming of recording it with The Beach Boys,” shares Brust. “We never imagined that they’d hear it, let alone get the chance to lay down our parts with Mike and Bruce and actually feel like we were a part of a group that we’ve idolized for so long! It’s crazy how it all became a reality and now the fun really begins!”

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Ahead of its March 4 release, the legendary musicians invited LoCash to join them onstage Sunday night (Feb. 6) during their sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium to debut the collaboration.

“We had a blast collaborating with Chris and Preston of LoCash!” said Love, who donned a cowboy hat on stage for the performance. “The song is so hooky – I can’t get it out of my head. I love mixing it up! Country rock met surf rock and created a fun summer hit!”

The legendary band, accompanied by John Stamos, thrilled the Nashville audience with a sampling of their many hits, including “Surfin Safari,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “I Get Around,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “California Girls,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” “Good Vibrations,” and many more.

Greylan James Stacks Team With Publishing, Management & Booking Signings

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Kevin Meads (WME), Brandon Morlock (Morris Higham), Will Hitchcock (Morris Higham), Ron Stuve (UMPG), Terry Wakefield (UMPG); (front row): Greylan James. Photo: Matt Zahn

Singer-songwriter Greylan James has signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group. James has also rounded out his team, signing with Morris Higham for management and WME for booking. His debut single, “Anything Cold,” is set for release Feb. 11.

A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, James moved to Nashville at 18 to pursue songwriting professionally. In 2020, he landed a Kenny Chesney cut with his song “Happy Does,” which climbed its way to No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. A talented musician as well, James played every instrument on his upcoming debut project.

“Greylan is a triple threat artist. Writer, musician, and singer/performer,” says Clint Higham, Morris Higham. “He also has a work ethic, and drive, that is rarely seen. Morris Higham is honored to represent Greylan James and we look forward to a long successful career and ride with him.”

“Greylan has already proved that he knows his way around a song. I’m excited to help Greylan show the world that he also knows his way around a stage,” shares Kevin Meads, WME.

“Team UMPG is proud to extend our relationship with Greylan and we look forward to this new artistic journey!” adds Ron Stuve, Universal Music Publishing Group.

Caitlyn Smith Plots ‘High And Low Tour’ For Spring

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Caitlyn Smith. Photo: Shervin Lainez

Caitlyn Smith is heading into spring on her new headlining tour, “The High & Low Tour 2022.”

Kicking off in Smith’s hometown of Minneapolis, Minn. on April 1, the tour will visit 13 cities, including Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Savannah, and a show on April 7 at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville. Tickets go on sale Feb. 11 at caitlynsmith.com.

“I can’t think of a better place to kick off this tour than my home state of Minnesota,” comments Smith. “We were supposed to tour with my last record but were unable to due to the pandemic. Needless to say, I’m beyond thrilled to see all your faces on the road and finally be able to play Supernova live. I’m also very excited to share a taste of the new music I’ve been working on the last year, too!”

“The High & Low Tour” comes on the heels of Smith’s recent release, “High,” which she penned with Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Erin Decilveo. The track was originally released by Cyrus on her Plastic Hearts album.

Smith is currently working on her next project, a self-produced album arriving later this year. More details will be released in the coming weeks.

Bill Cody Sits Down With Country Legends In New Circle Network Show ‘Bill Cody Presents’ [Interview]

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Pictured (L-R): Garth Brooks with Bill Cody at Allentown Studios. Photo: Danielle Piazza

Iconic country radio announcer Bill Cody‘s voice has been heard on the airwaves for nearly 50 years. The Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Famer is 25 years into his role as host of WSM’s Coffee, Country & Cody show, and as a Grand Ole Opry announcer/host.

But now, Cody is venturing into a new television show with Circle TV called, Bill Cody Presents, where he will sit down with some of country music’s biggest stars in places that are special to them.

Cody isn’t a stranger to television, as he previously worked for TNN and GAC. “A lot of us who were on radio were also doing things over at the television networks,” explains Cody in an interview with MusicRow. “So I’ve always had that connection to television.”

With Bill Cody Presents, Cody and Circle are bringing fans a long-form interview show where legendary country artists get to tell stories of their past in specific places that are special to each individual. Garth Brooks, Ray Benson (Asleep At The Wheel), Kathy Mattea, Pam Tillis, Marty Stuart, Brenda Lee and Ronnie Milsap will be featured on the first season.

“Radio is helping me in television in large part because I know these artists,” says Cody. “I was an on-air personality playing their records as they were starting their careers. So in a way, we all kind of grew up together.”

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The first episode of the new series is with Brooks at his famed Allentown Studios, named in honor of his legendary producer Allen Reynolds. This interview stood out to Cody in particular, not only because of where it was, but because of how he has followed Brooks’ career from when he was just a young writer from Oklahoma doing radio tours. 

“To sit in that room where it all happened, there was a spiritual nature to that visit, I can’t explain it,” says Cody. “There were ghosts in the room.”

Every single note Brooks has ever recorded, except the Chris Gaines project, was recorded in that studio, Cody explains. The Brooks interview was emotional at times, and Cody could feel the energy from stories Brooks told. 

“That was forever memorable to me and I think it will be for the people [who watch]. Certainly if you’re a fan of Garth, you’ll feel that way. If you are on the fringe and he’s not your favorite artist but you know who he is, I think you’ll be endeared to him in a way that you never have been before [after watching the interview].”

Though Cody has interviewed many of the artists, many times throughout the years, he was able to learn something new about each of them. Cody gleaned insight from Pam Tillis at her interview at the Exit/In and the Villager Tavern about her making her own way in the music industry without the help from her father, Mel Tillis. He also spoke with Marty Stuart on his tour bus about his love for the road, traveling, and the memories made on tour busses. 

“I think each episode, as much as you may be a fan of a specific artist, or a country music trivia expert, I think you’re going to learn something,” says Cody. “You’re going to hear some things you didn’t know about these artists.”

Cody is most excited for fans to see the honest and personal side of these artists. Because the interviews were at places that meant something to these country legends, Cody feels that the setting brings out more than it would in a standard TV studio.

“It’s a conversation between two old friends, who’ve known each other through the best of times and the worst times, in many cases on a very personal level. We share things with each other,” sums Cody. “I hope that my curiosity in asking some of these questions comes through and marries the curiosity of the viewer.”

The dates and times for Bill Cody Presents episodes:

February 9, 2022 – 8/7c – Garth Brooks
Cody and Garth Brooks sit down in the famed Allentown Studios. The studio is full of history including being the place Garth recorded all of his albums.

February 16, 2022 – 8/7c – Kathy Mattea
Cody and Kathy Mattea take a trip down memory lane (and Music Row) including the publishing company Kathy called home (literally).

February 23, 2022 – 8/7c – Ray Benson
Cody and Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson look back at the band’s 50-year history including a stop at the studio where they recorded their first album.

March 2, 2022 – 8/7c – Marty Stuart
What better place to revisit Marty’s history than his tour bus? A place he’s called his home away from home since he was a little kid. Cody visits with Marty to talk about his storied career.

March 9, 2022 – 8/7c – Pam Tillis
Cody and Pam Tillis visit the Exit/In and the Villager Tavern to talk about life as Mel Tillis’ daughter and making her own mark on the music industry.

March 16, 2022 – 8/7c – Ronnie Milsap/Brenda Lee
Join Bill Cody backstage at the Grand Ole Opry House as he sits down with the iconic Brenda Lee & Opry legend Ronnie Milsap to talk about their careers and memories of the Opry stage.

My Music Row Story: KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards

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Kerri Edwards. Photo: Angelina Olivia

The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

As the founder and president of management firm KP Entertainment, Kerri Edwards is a key figure in the careers of country stars Luke Bryan and Cole Swindell.

The West Virginia native started her career as an intern while studying at David Lipscomb University in Nashville. Edwards interned at Arista Records, and was eventually brought on to the staff who helped guide the careers of Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Pam Tillis, Diamond Rio and other ’90s country greats.

Edwards later joined EMI Music Publishing, followed by the High Five video production house, and then took a job with producer Mark Bright, before landing at Murrah Music. That’s where she met Luke Bryan, a staff writer at the time, and would start working with him to help further his career.

Now a decade into management, Edwards is the ultimate insider, involved in the touring, publishing, branding and business decisions for some of the genre’s most-sought-after performers. She spoke with MusicRow about her journey to the top, and the special moments along the way.

Pictured (L-R): Former Arista Records head Tim DuBois, Kerri Edwards. Photo: Courtesy KP Entertainment

MusicRow: You started your career at Arista Records. Tell me about those days.

Arista then was ran by Tim DuBois and it was a smaller label. What was awesome about that was you learned a ton of stuff because you heard everything that was going on—whether it was somebody calling a radio station or the mail room guy getting the stuff that was shipping out for somebody’s next single, you just overheard everything. I interned there probably a year and a half and then graduated and they found a job for me there as an A&R assistant.

I have never been in an environment like that. We were so tight. I don’t know that it would ever be repeated, to be honest. It was just a great era.

After Arista merged into RCA, you went into publishing where you met Luke Bryan. How did your relationship start?

It felt natural for A&R to switch sides to publishing, so I stayed in publishing probably seven years or so. During that seven year period, I met Luke at [Murrah Music], the company where he had just gotten signed to his first publishing deal. I really wasn’t trying to get into management at all, I was just trying to help him find his way in town and figure out how to help him eventually get a deal. I was still pitching songs and working with the other writers.

I went and saw him do a show in Georgia and was truly shocked. I think I’d focused so much on writing and the books and all that, I just wasn’t expecting what I saw on stage. Looking back, he was still obviously very green, but he just had this thing about him.

But even at that point I wasn’t trying to be his manager, I really was just trying to help him. I started calling in favors from writers, begging them to write with this guy. That’s how that started and then we just kept working together. I introduced him to Jeff Stevens, who ended up being his producer. Then we got in with Larry Willoughby, who at the time was an A&R at Capitol. Larry [suggested to Jeff for Luke to keep singing demos]. That’s how all the pieces started falling together.

Pictured (L-R): Kerri Edwards, Luke Bryan. Photo: Courtesy KP Entertainment

What pushed you into officially becoming Luke’s manager?

Three or four years later, [Mike] Dungan had agreed to sign him. So I took him around to manager meetings, I thought that’s the next step you do, right?

While we were doing that, he had asked me a few times, “Why don’t you just do it?” I was like, “No, I don’t know how to do that. I’ve never done that nor do I think I want to do that.” But then I thought, if I don’t do this, I wouldn’t be working with him anymore—and that kept haunting me. I called Mike Dungan and said, “Luke keeps asking me to do this, but I won’t do it without your blessing. You’re taking a risk on him and I do not want to walk in and you be in a panic that now he has a brand new manager.” So we talked it out and he graciously gave me the nod. Then I just started trying to stay above water.

When did you feel comfortable in your new role as a manager?

I guess when I truly took a breath was with “Do I.” That felt like a big moment for [Luke]. And then “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” felt really different.

Truthfully, there’s still always a weight in this business no matter what level you’re at. It’s just a different kind of weight. So it’s not like I felt like we had made it, not at all. But I felt like I could breathe for a second at that moment.

Pictured (L-R): Waylon Weatherholt (KPE), John Esposito (WMN), Cole Swindell, Kerri Edwards (KPE), Michael Monaco (FlyHi Films), Jacoby Plyler (KPE), Luke Bryan, Caroline Bryan. Photo: Courtesy KP Entertainment

After Luke became established, you added Cole Swindell as a management client, who had worked for Luke for years selling merch. What made you decide to take him on?

He obviously didn’t want to sell merch for the rest of his life. His dream was to start writing songs, so Luke and I tried to help him get a publishing deal. Once that happened…when I say workhorse, that guy started writing and writing. To this day, he is probably one of my favorite writers.

One day he calls and he’s like, “Where are you?” I was like, “I’m in the office.” He goes, “Can I play you a song?” So he comes by and he had “Chillin’ It.”

He was pacing. In that moment, with someone staring you down, listening to your song [he was nervous]. I turned it off and he’s like, “Okay, well I probably just got excited.” I just looked over and said, “Cole, do you really want to do this artist thing? Then that’s it.” He was like, “Oh God, I thought you hated it!” (laughs)

Now KP Entertainment has grown to include Dylan Scott, Jon Langston, CB30, DJ Rock and Whitney Duncan. How did you build your team?

I had teamed up with Red Light and Coran [Capshaw] on Luke early on. I still had a standalone office, but I didn’t really have that many employees. I was still doing most of it by myself. Then Waylon Weatherholt came on the team from Capitol Records. He’s been with me 12 years now, but it was he and I forever. It was just so busy, I couldn’t stop to even realize I needed more people. But once I did start hiring a few people, it was obviously life changing. I have great people here. They’re so awesome.

When do you feel most fulfilled in your role?

I truly still pinch myself that I get to work in music every day. I really do love it. The minute that I walked in that Arista door, not even understanding what I was about to get into, I’ve never not felt that. Luckily that feeling has truly stayed this whole time.

Pictured (L-R): DJ Rock, Waylon Weatherholt (KPE), Kerri Edwards (KPE), Dylan Scott, Jacoby Plyler (KPE), Dustin Eichten (KPE). Photo: Courtesy KP Entertainment

What’s something that people may not know about you?

I still do publishing stuff. I’m not in it every single day, because I can’t be, but I love it. It’s not something I’ve hung a separate sign for, but we have seven writers under our umbrella and it’s still something I’m super passionate about.

If someone says “old school Music Row,” what do you think of?

I just go to community. We’re competitive, but we would kill for each other. Even our artists do that with each other. They’re competitive, they don’t want to lose to the other one, but they also are truly great friends. I think that is a special thing in the country music industry.

What is some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

I go back to something my parents have said about finding that thing that makes you happy. I do truly feel like I was blessed to find that and fulfill it. I surround myself with artists that I’m super proud to represent. Not to sound cheesy, but I really do feel like I have the best staff. It’s all mind blowing some days with some of the things that they have accomplished with our clients. I guess it’s just surrounding yourself with the people that keep you going and bring out the good in you.

Nashville’s Historic Exit/In Celebrates 50 Years With Commemorative Book

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One of Music City’s most beloved independent venues, Exit/In, is celebrating 50 years of music with its new commemorative book, Exit/In: Fifty Years and Counting.

The book chronicles the history of the local, family-owned and operated music venue through never-before-seen photographs from its thousands of shows and a well-researched narrative text.

Starting off with a foreword by the legendary entertainer Jimmy Buffett, who christened the venue’s stage in 1971, readers can find candid shots of ’70s country outlaws such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and John Prine; behind-the-scenes photos from the set of Robert Altman’s Nashville film; and performance shots of national recording artists like The Police, The Ramones, Garbage and Gwar. The book also features interviews with Exit/In legends from John Hiatt to Darius Rucker to Margo Price and more.

There is also a Limited Collector’s Edition of the book which features a special gold foil-stamped slipcase and autographs from Hiatt, Marshall Chapman, Rodney Crowell, Jason Ringenberg, Rucker, Moon Taxi, Price, and All Them Witches.

Exit/In has stood at 2208 Elliston Place since 1971 and has made its mark on Nashville’s music scene. The complete list of performers numbers in the tens of thousands and includes notable acts such as Etta James, Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash, Linda Rondstadt, Talking Heads, Billy Joel, Muddy Waters, Leonard Cohen, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Willie Nelson, Chuck Berry, Sharon Jones, Kings Of Leon, Lucinda Williams, The Allman Brothers Band, Cage The Elephant, REM, and many more.

Exit/In: Fifty Years and Counting is available online and in select retail locations, including Hurry Back, Gifthorse Nashville, Parnassus, Grimeys, and Nashville with Love. For more information on Exit/In: Fifty Years and Counting or to order the book, click here.

Tim McGraw, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen To Headline 2022 Faster Horses Festival

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Pictured (L-R): Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen

Faster Horses Festival has announced that Eric Church, Tim McGraw and Morgan Wallen will headline this year’s lineup for the July 22-24 event in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Lauren Alaina, Brothers Osborne, Jordan Davis, Larry Fleet, Chris Janson, Ashley McBryde, Jake Owen, Caitlyn Smith, Cole Swindell, Michael Ray, Jameson Rodgers, Runaway June, Morgan Wade and DeeJay Silver will also perform as part of the festival’s main stage lineup.

The genre’s hottest rising artists will also perform on the Faster Horses Next From Nashville stage, which will feature Cooper Alan, Priscilla Block, Tyler Braden, Ben Burgess, Dillon Carmichael, Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Ray Fulcher, Angie K, Tiera Kennedy, King Calaway, Robyn Ottolini, Restless Road and Alana Springsteen.

Passes for the three-day, two-stage camping experience festival will go on sale Friday, March 11 at 9 a.m. CT at fasterhorsesfestival.com.

Crowd Surf Elevates Two Nashville Team Members [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): Kacey Kovacs, Nicki von Seckendorff. Photos: Ford Fairchild

Crowd Surf has promoted two key Nashville team members to new roles. Nicki von Seckendorff has been elevated to General Manager and Kacey Kovacs has risen to Senior Account Manager.

Seckendorff has been with Crowd Surf for over 3 years, beginning as an office assistant. Rising through multiple promotions and roles, she has made herself invaluable to the company and its culture.

Kovacs has been at Crowd Surf for over 4 years, starting as an intern and then taking on a marketing assistant role. She has played an integral part in many key projects, including the social media marketing success of country duo CB30 and pop superstar Camila Cabello.

“I remember immediately being struck by Nicki’s can do attitude and knew she was the missing part of our team,” says Jade Driver, co-founder and CEO of Crowd Surf. “Watching her parlay herself into this integral role for the company has been fantastic to watch.” She continues, “In addition, I am thrilled to see what Kacey has achieved over 4 short years. She has that innate ‘fan girl whisperer’ mentality that we covet at Crowd Surf and watching her use that knowledge to break artists has been exhilarating!”

Founded in 2007 by MTSU alumni Driver and Cassie Petrey, Crowd Surf’s roster now boasts over 1 billion collective followers. The company’s Nashville roster of clients includes Universal Music Nashville, Sony Music Nashville, Capitol Christian Music Group, Jimmie Allen, Cody Johnson, Hayley Williams, Matthew West, and more.