The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards returned to Nashville tonight (April 18), featuring performances from three iconic venues—the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe. Hosted by Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton, the broadcast aired live on CBS Television Network.
Early winners announced before the broadcast include Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett winning ACM New Male and Female Artist of the Year, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice earning Music Event of the Year for their smash duet “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and Kane Brown winning Video of the Year for “Worldwide Beautiful.” The ACM Radio Winners were also announced.
The first winner revealed during the broadcast was awarded to Old Dominion for Group of the Year, making this their fourth consecutive win.
Maren Morris won Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “The Bones.” Morris now has six ACM Award career wins, making this her second Female Artist of the Year win and a first category win for Song of the Year, awarding her both artist and songwriter credits. Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz each received songwriter credits.
Carly Pearce and Lee Brice won Single of the Year for “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” already winning Music Event of the Year for their collaboration this past week. This marks Pearce’s first time wins in two separate categories, and Brice’s third win for Single of the Year making this his seventh overall ACM Award win. The late producer busbee was awarded posthumously with Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year.
Thomas Rhett won Male Artist of the Year, marking his third win, eighth win overall.
Dan + Shay won Duo of the Year, making this their third consecutive win, fifth win overall.
Chris Stapleton won Album of the Year, with an additional win for producer for Starting Over. Stapleton has had twelve ACM wins overall.
The Academy’s highest honor, Entertainer of the Year, was awarded to Luke Bryan making this his tenth win overall and third for Entertainer of the Year.
Winners for the 56th ACM Awards are highlighted below:
GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
The Cadillac Three
The Highwomen
DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville
I Hope – Gabby Barrett
– Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
– Producers: busbee
– Record Label: Big Machine Records / Curb Records
More Hearts Than Mine – Ingrid Andress
– Producers: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
The Bones – Maren Morris
– Producer: Greg Kurstin
– Record Label: Columbia Nashville
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ingrid Andress
Tenille Arts
Gabby Barrett
Mickey Guyton
Caylee Hammack
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jimmie Allen
Travis Denning
HARDY
Cody Johnson
Parker McCollum
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]:
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Songwriter(s): Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby
– Publishers: Emileon Songs; Little Louder Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs of Universal, INC; Sony ATV Tree Publishing; Wrucke for You Publishing
One Night Standards – Ashley McBryde
– Songwriter(s): Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally
– Publishers: Canned Biscuit Songs; Smackworks Music; Smack Blue, LLC; Smackstreet Music; Tempo Investments; Warner Geo Met Ric Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp
Some People Do – Old Dominion
– Songwriter(s): Jesse Frasure, Matt Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally
– Publishers: Carrot Seed Songs; EMI Blackwood Music INC; Smackville Music; Songs of ROC Nation; Telemitry Rhythm House Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp; Smack Hits; Tempo Investments; Warner Gro Met Ric Music
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Songwriter(s): Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson
– Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Straight Six Music; WC Music Corp
The Bones – Maren Morris
– Songwriter(s): Jimmy Robbins, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz
– Publishers: Big Machine Music, LLC; Extraordinary Alien Publishing; International Dog Music; Oh Denise Publishing; Round Hill Songs; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Born Here Live Here Die Here – Luke Bryan
– Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens
– Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
Mixtape Vol. 1 – Kane Brown
– Producers: Andrew Goldstein, Charlie Handsome, Dann Huff, Lindsay Rimes
– Record Label: RCA Nashville
Never Will – Ashley McBryde
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
Skeletons – Brothers Osborne
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb
– Record Label: Mercury Nashville
VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]:
Better Than We Found It – Maren Morris
– Director: Gabrielle Woodland
– Producers: Sarah Kunin, Jennifer Pepke
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Director: Trey Fanjoy
– Producer: Heather Levenstone
Gone – Dierks Bentley
– Directors: Wes Edwards, Ed Pryor, Travis Nicholson, Running Bear and Sam Siske, with animation by Skylar Wilson
– Producer: David Garcia
Hallelujah – Carrie Underwood and John Legend
– Director: Randee St. Nicholas
– Producer: Greg Wells
Worldwide Beautiful – Kane Brown
– Director: Alex Alvga
– Producer: Christen Pinkston
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR (Tie Within Category Increased Nominees) [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Be A Light – Thomas Rhett featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban
– Producer: Dann Huff
– Record Label: The Valory Music Co.
Does To Me – Luke Combs featuring Eric Church
– Producer: Scott Moffatt
– Record Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
– Producer: busbee
– Record Label: Big Machine Records / Curb Records
Nobody But You – Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Stefani
– Producer: Scott Hendricks
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
One Beer – HARDY featuring Lauren Alaina & Devin Dawson
– Producers: Derek Wells, Joey Moi
– Record Label: Big Loud Records
One Too Many – Keith Urban, P!nk
– Producers: Cutfather, Dan McCarroll, Keith Urban, PhD
– Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
Winners Revealed For 56th ACM Awards
/by LB CantrellThe 56th Academy of Country Music Awards returned to Nashville tonight (April 18), featuring performances from three iconic venues—the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe. Hosted by Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton, the broadcast aired live on CBS Television Network.
Early winners announced before the broadcast include Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett winning ACM New Male and Female Artist of the Year, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice earning Music Event of the Year for their smash duet “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and Kane Brown winning Video of the Year for “Worldwide Beautiful.” The ACM Radio Winners were also announced.
The first winner revealed during the broadcast was awarded to Old Dominion for Group of the Year, making this their fourth consecutive win.
Maren Morris won Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “The Bones.” Morris now has six ACM Award career wins, making this her second Female Artist of the Year win and a first category win for Song of the Year, awarding her both artist and songwriter credits. Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz each received songwriter credits.
Carly Pearce and Lee Brice won Single of the Year for “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” already winning Music Event of the Year for their collaboration this past week. This marks Pearce’s first time wins in two separate categories, and Brice’s third win for Single of the Year making this his seventh overall ACM Award win. The late producer busbee was awarded posthumously with Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year.
Thomas Rhett won Male Artist of the Year, marking his third win, eighth win overall.
Dan + Shay won Duo of the Year, making this their third consecutive win, fifth win overall.
Chris Stapleton won Album of the Year, with an additional win for producer for Starting Over. Stapleton has had twelve ACM wins overall.
The Academy’s highest honor, Entertainer of the Year, was awarded to Luke Bryan making this his tenth win overall and third for Entertainer of the Year.
Winners for the 56th ACM Awards are highlighted below:
GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
The Cadillac Three
The Highwomen
DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville
I Hope – Gabby Barrett
– Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
– Producers: busbee
– Record Label: Big Machine Records / Curb Records
More Hearts Than Mine – Ingrid Andress
– Producers: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
The Bones – Maren Morris
– Producer: Greg Kurstin
– Record Label: Columbia Nashville
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ingrid Andress
Tenille Arts
Gabby Barrett
Mickey Guyton
Caylee Hammack
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jimmie Allen
Travis Denning
HARDY
Cody Johnson
Parker McCollum
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]:
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Songwriter(s): Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby
– Publishers: Emileon Songs; Little Louder Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs of Universal, INC; Sony ATV Tree Publishing; Wrucke for You Publishing
One Night Standards – Ashley McBryde
– Songwriter(s): Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally
– Publishers: Canned Biscuit Songs; Smackworks Music; Smack Blue, LLC; Smackstreet Music; Tempo Investments; Warner Geo Met Ric Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp
Some People Do – Old Dominion
– Songwriter(s): Jesse Frasure, Matt Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally
– Publishers: Carrot Seed Songs; EMI Blackwood Music INC; Smackville Music; Songs of ROC Nation; Telemitry Rhythm House Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp; Smack Hits; Tempo Investments; Warner Gro Met Ric Music
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Songwriter(s): Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson
– Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Straight Six Music; WC Music Corp
The Bones – Maren Morris
– Songwriter(s): Jimmy Robbins, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz
– Publishers: Big Machine Music, LLC; Extraordinary Alien Publishing; International Dog Music; Oh Denise Publishing; Round Hill Songs; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Born Here Live Here Die Here – Luke Bryan
– Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens
– Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
Mixtape Vol. 1 – Kane Brown
– Producers: Andrew Goldstein, Charlie Handsome, Dann Huff, Lindsay Rimes
– Record Label: RCA Nashville
Never Will – Ashley McBryde
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
Skeletons – Brothers Osborne
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb
– Record Label: Mercury Nashville
VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]:
Better Than We Found It – Maren Morris
– Director: Gabrielle Woodland
– Producers: Sarah Kunin, Jennifer Pepke
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Director: Trey Fanjoy
– Producer: Heather Levenstone
Gone – Dierks Bentley
– Directors: Wes Edwards, Ed Pryor, Travis Nicholson, Running Bear and Sam Siske, with animation by Skylar Wilson
– Producer: David Garcia
Hallelujah – Carrie Underwood and John Legend
– Director: Randee St. Nicholas
– Producer: Greg Wells
Worldwide Beautiful – Kane Brown
– Director: Alex Alvga
– Producer: Christen Pinkston
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR (Tie Within Category Increased Nominees) [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Be A Light – Thomas Rhett featuring Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin, Keith Urban
– Producer: Dann Huff
– Record Label: The Valory Music Co.
Does To Me – Luke Combs featuring Eric Church
– Producer: Scott Moffatt
– Record Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
– Producer: busbee
– Record Label: Big Machine Records / Curb Records
Nobody But You – Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Stefani
– Producer: Scott Hendricks
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville
One Beer – HARDY featuring Lauren Alaina & Devin Dawson
– Producers: Derek Wells, Joey Moi
– Record Label: Big Loud Records
One Too Many – Keith Urban, P!nk
– Producers: Cutfather, Dan McCarroll, Keith Urban, PhD
– Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
ACM Lifting Lives Launches Stream For A Cause Playlist To Support COVID Response Fund
/by LB CantrellACM Lifting Lives announced today (April 16) the Official 56th ACM Awards Playlist: Stream for a Cause initiative to benefit the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund.
The Stream for a Cause ACM promotion is live today (April 16) through Monday (April 19), and is available on Amazon, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tidal and YouTube Music. Labels including Big Machine Label Group, Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group will also take part in supporting this cause.
Amazon kicks off Stream for a Cause with a donation to the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund. The funds raised are going to be distributed to the people in the country music community who met the criteria of need. Since 2020 Lifting Lives has raised over $3.5 million, and the Stream for a Cause initiative has already helped raise more money to donate.
“We’re honored to have the support of all major DSPs and record labels in anticipation of our first-ever Stream for a Cause initiative,” says Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives, Lyndsay Cruz. “We couldn’t imagine a better way to support members of the country music community in need than by streaming the music they’ve created. A special thank you to Amazon for jumpstarting the event with a donation to our COVID-19 Response Fund and Universal Music Group for spearheading these initiatives to support our industry. We look forward to a weekend of streaming for a great cause!”
BMI Launches She Is The Conversation Series
/by Lydia FarthingBMI is highlighting the importance of representation for all women in music with their recently announced She Is The Conversation series, a collection of videos created in partnership with She Is The Music.
This new initiative features six conversations between notable music industry executives, established creatives, and rising talents, sharing their personal experiences and perspectives on driving meaningful change and creating greater opportunities for women in the music business.
“BMI is proud to support She Is The Music in helping enhance the voice and perspective of female songwriters, producers, artists and beyond, in all endeavors of the music business,” says Vice President, Worldwide Creative Barbara Cane. “These discussions offer invaluable insight into the journeys and shared experiences among creators and professionals across genres and throughout the industry. It is our hope that She Is The Conversation will inspire meaningful change through honest dialogue.”
Included in these six discussions are Apple Music radio host and country singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer and Americana singer-songwriter and activist Allison Russell; celebrated songwriter, producer, publisher, and educator Kara Dioguardi and country music sensation Ingrid Andress; songwriting powerhouse Justin Tranter and music publishing executive Katie Vinten; artist, writer, producer, and publisher Tayla Parx and emerging singer-songwriter Lara Andersson; and musician and lyricist Carmen Reece and international hitmaker Jin Jin.
Visit BMI’s She Is The Conversation to view all six discussions.
Dani Taylor Releases Debut EP
/by Lydia FarthingDani Taylor. Photo: Alex Berger.
Up and coming country singer-songwriter Dani Taylor released her debut, self-titled EP today (April 16).
The three-song project was produced by Grammy-nominee Brad Hill (Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne) and Dave Thomson (Lady A, Trisha Yearwood). Taylor co-wrote all of the tracks with Sherrie Austin, who has landed 5 singles on the Billboard Hot Country chart, and Will Rambeaux, whose No. 1 hits include Faith Hill’s “Wild Ones,” Reba’s “How Was I To Know” and John Michael Montgomery’s “Hold On To Me.”
“The inspiration for this EP was the closing of my first chapter here in Nashville. I have learned so much having been here for three years. I’ve learned a lot about myself as well. This EP was a part of the recording project with the first three singles I released. It showcased everything I have learned and gone through when I first came here, and it hints at where my journey is going next,” shares Dani.
This release follows the Arizona native’s latest radio single “Table For One Drinking For Two,” which ranked in the Top 60 on Billboard’s Indicator chart. Taylor has also accumulated over 1 million streams on Spotify alone in the past eight months and received placement on Spotify’s Wild Country, New Boots, Breakout Country and Next From Nashville playlists among others.
Taylor’s debut self-titled EP is available to stream and download now.
Dani Taylor Track List:
1. Midnight Cowgirl
2. You Can Thank Me Later
3. Kiss Me If You Can
Jimi Jamm Receives Randy Jones Memorial Award
/by Alex ParryWCJW PD Jimi Jamm (R) is presented with the 2021 Randy Jones Memorial Award by GrassRoots Promotion’s RJ Jordan (L).
MusicRow reporter, Jimi Jamm, has been presented with the 2021 Randy Jones Memorial Award. Jamm is the PD and Morning Show Host for WCJW, Warsaw, New York.
“I’m pleasantly surprised by this award,” says Jimi Jamm. “I don’t do the things I do for the community in the hopes of winning an award, but am humbled by the recognition. Being the 2021 recipient means a lot to me!”
The Randy Jones Memorial Award recognizes an on-air personality for exceptional commitment to charitable work, dedication to listeners, and daily preservation of country music. Jones is known to be the heart and soul of Pikeville, Kentucky, and the epitome of what a hometown radio DJ should be: the heartbeat of the community. He lived for the service he could do to make others’ lives better. The annual recipient is selected by a panel of industry leaders, spearheaded by Ed Carter.
Previous winners of this award include Russ Oker, Ed Carter, Win Patton, Ted Cramer, Bill Booth, Melissa Frost, Mike Thomas, and Steve Ferguson.
Chart Action: Luke Bryan Earns Most Added
/by Alex ParryLuke Bryan dominates the country charts this week with his latest single, “Waves.” The single is most added and the has the highest debut across the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow charts.
On the Billboard Country Airplay chart, Bryan debuts at No. 26 with 76 station adds and a spin gain of +1,333. On the Mediabase chart, he gained +1,375 spins and 102 station adds debuting at No. 35. On the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, “Waves” received 30 adds and +359 spins debuting at No. 48.
“Waves,” written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill, is the fifth single from Born Here Live Here Die Here (Deluxe Edition), which was released last Friday (April 9).
Luke Bryan Sets Sights On Mexico With The Return Of Crash My Playa
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan is heading back to the beach in 2022 for some fun in the sun on his annual concert vacation, Crash My Playa, on January 19-22.
Set to take place at the Moon Palace Cancún, the event will feature four nights of music on a private beach, complete with two headlining performances by Bryan and the return of Jason Aldean. An additional headliner as well as a full lineup of artists, pool parties, activities, and local adventures will be announced soon. CID Presents will closely monitor relevant recommendations and guidelines imposed by local authorities and The World Health Organization to ensure a safe experience for all guests.
“I have been so ready to tell you that Playa is back for 2022,” shares Bryan. “This is one of my favorite events we get to do and it’s because all of you keep showing up and making it so much fun. Jason and I had a blast in 2020 so it didn’t take me long to talk him into coming back.”
All-inclusive Crash My Playa 2022 packages will go on sale on Friday, April 23 at 12 p.m. CST. However, previous Crash My Playa guests will be invited to return to the beach via the Alumni Pre-Sale, which begins Wednesday, April 21 at 12 p.m. CST, and members of Bryan and Aldean’s fan clubs will also have access to pre-sale packages on Thursday, April 22 at 12 p.m. CST.
Carly Pearce And Lee Brice Win ACM Music Event Of The Year
/by Lorie HollabaughCarly Pearce, Lee Brice. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM
Carly Pearce and Lee Brice were surprised mid-interview last night (April 15) when they received an early ACM win for Music Event with their smash duet, “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” The Platinum-certified song, co-written by Luke Combs, Randy Montana and Jonathan Singleton, also won the CMA’s Musical Event of the Year back in November.
“I Hope You’re Happy Now” is also up for Single of the Year at this weekend’s upcoming ACM Awards. The power ballad faces off against a precedent-setting all-female category that includes Miranda Lambert’s “Bluebird,” Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope,” Ingrid Andress’ “More Hearts Than Mine” and Maren Morris’ “The Bones.”
“I’m over the moon on winning this award but especially happy for Carly,” says Brice of their No. 1 collaboration, which they perform live on Sunday’s (April 18) telecast. “This is her story, her song and I am honored to be a part of it. Seeing this from the very beginning from her perspective to now winning awards is full circle—and humbling but rewarding.”
“Everyone at some point in their life has found themselves caught in a relationship where you love the other person so much, yet over time, it all falls apart,” says Pearce. “When we all started talking about our lives and our journeys, every one of us had been in this position—and it’s the worst feeling. You get to a point where you have to do something, and even that doesn’t really make things better, it just creates a hole where your heart used to be. To see people respond to ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’ the way that they have has been is incredibly affirming, because I think it makes you—wherever you are in your life—feel less alone. And having Lee’s voice, which is a bit of hurricane the way he comes in, it really brings home how hard it is for both people in these kinds of situations.”
The 56th ACM Awards will air on Sunday, April 18 at 7 p.m. CST on CBS and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Anne Wilson Unveils Capitol Christian Debut ‘My Jesus’
/by Lorie HollabaughCapitol Christian recording artist Anne Wilson is celebrating the release of her debut multi-track collection, My Jesus, today (April 16).
The uplifting three-song project is a powerful expression of Wilson’s unwavering faith. The title track, “My Jesus,” which she co-wrote with Jeff Pardo and Matthew West, is an anthemic exploration of the depth of her relationship and trust in God, and marks her official radio debut. Wilson’s expansive vocal range and multi-genre influences are showcased on “Devil,” and the project’s final track, “Something About That Name,” highlights Wilson’s smoky vocals and intuitive songwriting. A corresponding video for the title track was also released today, as well as a lyric video for “Devil.”
“I couldn’t be more excited for the world to hear these songs,” Wilson says. “Each of the three songs mean so much to me and my journey with the Lord. I can’t wait to see what God does through these songs!”
Wilson’s career trajectory began in 2017, following the tragic loss of her brother in a car accident, when she shared a video performance on YouTube performing Hillsong’s “What A Beautiful Name” in honor of her beloved brother. The video was passed on to an artist manager, who became intrigued by Wilson’s mesmerizing voice and visible hunger for Jesus, and contacted her six months later. Soon after Wilson landed a deal with Capitol Christian Music Group. Her rootsy sound reflects her strong southern upbringing and her admiration for country legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton married with the heart-on-your-sleeve transparency of Steffany Gretzinger and Lauren Daigle.
River House Artists Launches New Creative Division With Emma Kate Golden
/by Lorie HollabaughEmma Kate Golden
River House Artists has launched a new creative division in partnership with Emma Kate Golden. Golden will oversee creative endeavors for the River House Artists roster and will also be available for booking.
An accomplished director, photographer and videographer, Golden joined River House Artists in 2018 and has since produced creative content for artists including Jameson Rodgers, Bailey Bryan, Chrissy Metz, Drew Parker, Ashland Craft and many more. She is lauded for her unique ability to prioritize her clients’ creative vision while maintaining her own distinct style sets.
“Emma is such a creative force and is creating a path that helps elevate artists careers. It’s exciting to watch and we are happy to be a home to her and her imaginative approach to our community,” says Founder of River House Artists Lynn Oliver Cline.
“I moved to Nashville when I was 18 and have collaborated with [River House Artists’ Director of Creative / A&R] Zebb Luster ever since. Coming from a freelance video background, I really appreciate the value of this journey with River House Artists,” says Golden. “I am thankful to be able to work alongside not only their artists, but the Nashville community as a whole.”
Golden and her creative team will hit the ground running and continue to expand in the coming months.