Gordie Sampson Extends Deal With Still Working Music, Kobalt

/by

Pictured (Clockwise from top left): Gordie Sampson, Alex Orbison (Co-President, SWM), Sara Beal (Publishing Director, SWM), Emily Olson (Creative Director, SWM), Jesse Willoughby (GM, Kobalt Nashville), Kevin Lane (Creative Director, Kobalt Nashville)

Still Working Music and Kobalt have extended an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Gordie Sampson, who has co-written hits including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take The Wheel,” Hunter Hayes’ “Storm Warning,” Florida Georgia Line ft. Backstreet Boys’ “God, Your Mama, and Me,” and Luke Bryan’s “Knockin’ Boots.” Most recently he’s had additional songs released by Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack, Lindsay Ell, Adam Hambrick, Scott Helman, Caitlyn Smith, and Mickey Guyton.

“I couldn’t be more excited to extend our deal with Gordie Sampson. He has immense talent and I am looking forward to our continued partnership!” said Still Working Music’s Alex Orbison.

“I am beyond thrilled to continue working with Gordie alongside Emily and the Still Working Music family. Gordie’s talent and drive make him a dream to represent and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.” said Kobalt’s Kevin Lane.

Still Working Music writers include Jon Randall, Chase Bryant, Lance Miller, Rachel Reinert, and Ian Christian. Still Working Music proudly partners with BMG, Kobalt, and others.

Kobalt is a music and technology company built for artists, songwriters, publishers, labels, film and television production companies, studios and networks as an alternative to the traditional music business model.

Americana Champion Lynsey McDonald Dies

/by

 

Nashville’s Americana community has lost one of its key business figures. Lynsey McDonald, 58, died on Nov. 23 following an eight-year struggle with multiple myeloma.

For most of her career, she worked in artist management, helping to guide the careers of Jason & The Scorchers, Todd Snider, Deana Carter, The Georgia Satellites, Robbie Fulks and Jay Joyce.

She also helped to launch the Americana music radio series Music City Roots. McDonald worked at Praxis International, Vector Management, Rising Tide Records, Thirty Tigers, TomKats catering, CMT, and her own Magnolia Way Management firm.

Born Allison Lynn McDonald, she grew up in Chattanooga. She excelled at competitive fast-pitch softball, basketball and tennis as a high-school student. McDonald graduated from MTSU’s Recording Industry Management program in 1984. Although she had a fine singing voice, she concentrated on the business side of music, initially working with Nashville’s alt-rock bands.

Among her accomplishments was helping to launch the Loveless Barn music venue, which is where Music City Roots began.

McDonald is survived by her son Gates Knight and his father, her former husband Sam Knight. Her parents—Darrell and Marilyn McDonald—also survive her, along with aunts Linda Lesley and Faye McDonald, uncle Roger Coe and numerous cousins.

Donations can be made in her name at Second Harvest Food Bank, 331 Great Circle Road, Nashville 37228.

There will be a memorial service at a later date. In the meantime, friends are encouraged to post pictures, comments and reminiscences at phillipsrobinson.com.

Steep Canyon Rangers, The SteelDrivers, Del McCoury Band To Play The Caverns In 2021

/by

 

The Caverns in Grundy County, Tennessee will host several concerts next year, beginning with shows from the Steep Canyon Rangers (March 28), The SteelDrivers (April 10), and the Del McCoury Band (April 18).

All shows will take place outdoors on a beautiful hillside overlooking Payne’s Cove in socially distanced pods at a new COVID-19 compliant venue on The Caverns grounds—The Caverns Above Ground Amphitheater. Tickets go on sale on Friday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. CT, and more information can be found at thecaverns.com.

“In 2020, we successfully brought back live music in a responsible way with four nights of Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit,” says Todd Mayo, The Caverns owner. “We understand the seriousness of the current situation and have worked hard to plan events with COVID-19 mitigation precautions in place that adhere to the State of Tennessee’s “Tennessee Pledge” based on CDC guidance to reopen responsibly. These amazing bluegrass shows are just the start of a wide variety of programming we’ll present in our new amphitheater in early 2021!”

For the concerts, guests will arrive at staggered times, answer COVID-19 screening questions, receive a temperature check, and enjoy the show from 2-person, 4-person and 6-person socially-distanced pods. Pods are spaced with a minimum of 6’ distance between each other with wide footpaths between pods to maintain social distancing. The seated concerts are “bring your own chair.” Masks will be mandatory, except when guests are in their pods. All concessions and merchandise will be ordered through an app and delivered contactless to pods eliminating lines and limiting the need for guests to leave pods.

Industry Ink: mtheory Nashville, Endurance Music Group, Sheltered Music

/by

mtheory Nashville Adds Chantrel Reynolds

Chantrel Reynolds

mtheory Nashville, the Music City division of the artist management services company, has hired Chantrel Reynolds as Marketing Manager. Reynolds comes to mtheory from RCA Inspiration at Sony Music, where she was the label assistant. For three years, she supported artists like Kirk Franklin, Snoop Dogg, and Rodney Jerkins as well as directly supporting label SVP/General Manager Phil Thornton.

Reynolds can be reached at chantrel@mtheory.com.

 

Endurance Music Group Adds Courtney Kruckeberg As Creative Manager

Courtney Kruckeberg. Photo: Ed Rode

Endurance Music Group has added Courtney Kruckeberg as Creative Manager to oversee day-to-day needs of the Endurance roster of songwriters, in addition to managing EMG’s growing catalog of hits, assisting with pitching songs, and handling back catalog.

Kruckeberg previously worked as Catalog Manager at HoriPro Entertainment Group, which was recently acquired by Mojo Music & Media. Her career has also included time in the royalty department at ClearBox Rights. Since 2018, Kruckeberg has acted as the Administrative Director for the AIMP Nashville Board, and she has been a member of SOLID since 2014, serving on the 2016 Board as Community Outreach Chair.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Courtney into the Endurance family,” said Endurance Music Group President Michael Martin. “Her solid experience and strong relationships are essential to our continued success, and we’re confident she will be an incredible asset to the EMG team. We’re excited to see how her creativity impacts our writers and artists, and proud to be a part of her continued growth.”

Kruckeberg can be reached at courtney@endurancemg.com.

 

Sheltered Music Publishing Signs Kelsey Waters

Kelsey Waters

Sheltered Music Publishing, the Nashville Division of All Clear Music, has signed Kelsey Waters to an exclusive publishing and artist development deal. Waters has been performing since her early teens, and has released songs including “I Pour” and “Rainmaker.”

“I was first drawn to Kelsey’s music by songwriter friend, Greg Becker,” says Sheltered Music EVP Darrell Franklin. “I was immediately taken back at how real and honest her music was, while also pushing the edges musically and lyrically.”

Driver Williams Inks Co-Pub Deal With River House Artists, Jody Williams Songs

/by

Pictured (L-R): Jody Williams (Founder, Jody Williams Songs); Nina Jenkins (Creative Director, Jody Williams Songs); Driver Williams, Zebb Luster (Director of Creative/A&R, River House Artists); Lynn Oliver-Cline (Founder, River House Artists); Kayla Adkins (Publishing Coordinator, River House Artists)

River House Artists (in partnership with Sony/ATV) and Jody Williams Songs (in partnership with Warner Chappell Music) have signed Driver Williams to a new co-publishing agreement, uniting Williams’ existing team at River House Artists with the publishing company launched recently by his father, former BMI VP and industry vet Jody Williams.

Driver Williams has spent the last three years as a River House Artists staff songwriter. With the launch of Jody Williams Songs earlier this year, plans developed between River House’s Lynn Oliver-Cline and Jody Williams to share publishing representation.

“It has long been a dream of mine to work with my father in this kind of creative capacity,” shares Driver. “I am very excited to be part of a new ‘song forward’ company whose aim is to move the needle in our genre, coupled with my unflagging partnership with Lynn and the powerhouse crew at River House Artists.”

As the long-time lead guitarist for 2020 CMA Entertainer of the Year Eric Church, Williams has co-written Church’s Double-Platinum certified “Smoke A Little Smoke” as well as songs recorded by artists including Jon Pardi, Jason Aldean, Drew Parker and more.

“We feel very fortunate to partner with Lynn’s team at River House for this next season of Driver’s songwriting career,” says Jody Williams. “Driver’s determination and skill, coupled with the synergy of our two companies, feels like a perfect storm. Zebb Luster and Kayla Adkins are in it to win it, just like me and Nina Jenkins. And on a personal level, I’m thrilled the time is finally right to get to work with my son. This is going to be fun!”

“I am thankful for the intro to Driver from Jody just a few short years ago,” adds Oliver-Cline, who first formed a close friendship with Jody Williams when the two were BMI writer reps in the late ’90s. “Driver has such depth and a unique perspective. I always look forward to hearing everything he writes. His passion for music is contagious and RHA couldn’t be prouder to continue our relationship with him and his talents as a songwriter.”

“Driver has been a huge asset for the River House family from the beginning,” notes Zebb Luster, RHA Director of Creative/A&R. “His dedication to the team and his ability to help artists and writers really find what they are trying to say in a song is what I love most about him. Driver really gets behind the people he believes in and pushes them to be the best they can be. I couldn’t be more excited to have him around!”

“Driver is a master collaborator,” adds Nina Jenkins, JWS Creative Director. “His daily objective is the relentless pursuit of quality music, brought to fulfillment through thoughtful songwriting and an ever-present positive attitude. He is a team player who lifts up his co-writers and publishers alike.”

In addition to the new publishing deal signed with Driver Williams, Jody Williams Songs represents Ashley McBryde, Nathan Chapman, Jeremy Spillman, Greg Bates, Jason Nix and Pat McLaughlin. Jody Williams Songs is a co-publishing partnership with Warner Chappell Music.

Launched in 2016, River House Artists recently became a joint venture with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Along with Driver Williams, their roster also includes artist writers Drew Parker, Jordan Rowe, Luke Combs’ longtime cowriter Ray Fulcher, as well as Nicolette Hayford, a frequent co-writer of McBryde.

MusiCares Launches ‘Help For The Holidays’ Campaign To Aid Music Community

/by

 

As many music venues remain shut down and tours halted due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, MusiCares has launched a ‘Help For The Holidays’ campaign to help those in the music community during the holiday season.

As part of the organization’s ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts, MusiCares is offering $250 essential goods e-cards to the first 4,000 applicants, to aid those struggling to meet basic needs during this time.

All applications will be processed in the order they are received, and applications will take 2-3 weeks to process. To be eligible, participants must have at least three years of employment in the music industry, and/or six commercially released recordings (singles) or six commercially or promotionally released music videos.

Applicants must provide detailed music industry background documentation, which can include any of the following: articles, liner notes, letters from employers, biography, paystubs, resume or discography. Applicants must be able to document loss of income from COVID-19 (Acceptable documentation can include the following: copy of contracts, flyers or links to event sites clearly listing your involvement in the cancelled event, letter or email from employer, venue or event identifying cancellation, etc.). Applicants must provide their most recent bank statement.

HARDY Claims His First Chart-Topper As An Artist With “One Beer”

/by

HARDY. Photo: Tanner Gallagher

HARDY is no stranger to the country charts, having co-written seven No. 1 singles for other artists. Now, he’s celebrating a new pinnacle, with his own song “One Beer” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson reaching the top of the charts and marking his very first No. 1 as an artist.

Penned by HARDY with Jake Mitchell and Hillary Lindsey, and produced by Joey Moi and Derek Wells, the hit sits atop both the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase country charts this week.

“I am so thankful for the writers and my label for helping me take this song all the way to No. 1,” HARDY said. “My first No. 1 as an artist means so much to me and it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”

“One Beer” marks milestones across the board for both HARDY and his label Big Loud Records. The newly minted No. 1 is his eighth chart-topper as a songwriter, recently cracking the Top 10 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 Songwriters chart. For Big Loud Records, the single yields the first set of back-to-back No. 1 country radio hits with different songs taking the top spot for a record label in 2020, following Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown” last week, which was also written by HARDY.

HARDY’s debut album, A Rock, which released in September, has reached over 263 million on-demand streams to date, and was co-written entirely by HARDY.

ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund Gets $2 Million Reopening

/by

 

ACM Lifting Lives has reopened the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund, which recently raised $2 million prior to Giving Tuesday (Dec. 1). The funds will be disbursed to those in the country music community who have been affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns.

The fund was created in April 2020 to help those working in the country music industry, who are facing financial crisis as a result of the pandemic. Since then, $3.5 million was raised and distributed to hundreds of workers in the country music community.

Support from record labels and partners made this second round of relief possible, including generous donations from Amazon, Big Machine Label Group, Broken Bow Records Music Group, Corner Partnership LLC, Country Thunder’s Troy Vollhoffer, Sony Music Nashville, Spotify, Universal Music Group Nashville, Warner Music Nashville and other country music leaders individually who have supported the funding round.

“We are so fortunate ACM Lifting Lives was able to re-open the COVID-19 Response Fund ahead of the holidays, to send financial support to hundreds of applicants looking for a resource during this time,” said Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “A huge thank you to our generous partners, and many individual industry leaders for their contributions who were able to quickly join forces with us and see the urgency in making a difference in an unimaginable and ongoing situation. In lieu of gifts for the holidays, if you are able to help, we encourage you to visit ACMLiftingLives.org for more information on how to assist.”

“ACM Lifting Lives has not only shown up for our industry over the years, they have been a light during one our business’ most stressful times, providing immediate aid and support to members of our road families during the pandemic. Supporting them is supporting our musicians, our crews and all those folks who work behind the scenes so we get to bring music to the fans. Please consider giving what you can or sharing word about the great work they do this holiday season. Together, let’s continue to lift spirits and lives in a time our industry needs it most,” said Darius Rucker.

“I am so proud to support and serve such a compelling organization that has continued to not only raise money during this time but strengthen the power of healing through the power of music,” said Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman, who is also an ACM Lifting Lives Board Member. “Due to COVID-19 freezing live music & touring events this year, the music scene has completely shifted causing many members of our country music family to face every day financial crises. To help support the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund, we ask you to join us in lifting spirits by donating as little as $1. Even a small amount can make a big difference, #LetsLiftLives.”

MusicRow Highlights Rising Leaders With 2021 N.B.T. Industry Directory

/by

 

Rising Nashville music industry leaders have been selected as MusicRow Magazine’s 2021 N.B.T. Industry Directory.

Now in its second year, MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who occupy important roles at their respective companies, and who are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.

All members of the N.B.T. Industry Directory are featured in MusicRow’s current 2021 Touring Issue, which releases today (Dec. 1). Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships.

YouTube video

 

The 90 members of MusicRow Magazine’s 2021 N.B.T. Industry Directory are:

Ashley Alexander, Chief Marketing Officer – Girlilla Marketing

Paige Altone, Sr. Dir., Marketing – Sony Music Nashville

Derek Anderson, Dir. of Revenue and Streaming – Black River Entertainment

Elise Anderson, Pres./Owner – Elicity Public Relations

Christian Barker, Partner- Shackelford Bowen McKinley & Norton LLP

Kari Barnhart, Entertainment Relationship Manager/Wealth Advisor – Regions Bank

Katie Barolak, Creative Dir. – Black River Entertainment

Marieke Bianchi, Executive in Music Brand Partnerships – CAA Music Nashville

Ailie Birchfield, Dir., Media Marketing – Universal Music Group Nashville

Drew Bland, VP, Promotion – Monument Records

Linda Bloss-Baum, Sr. Dir. for Artist and Industry Relations – SoundExchange

Beth Brinker, Assoc. Dir. of Membership – ASCAP

Matt Brum-Taylor, Sr. Dir., Digital Marketing – Big Machine Label Group

AJ Burton, VP, Fluid Music Revolution – Fluid Music Revolution/Spirit Music Nashville

Robert Carlton, Sr. VP, Development – SMACK

Liz Cost, Sr. Dir., Marketing – Sony Music Nashville

Matt Cottingham, Associate – Ritholz Levy Fields

Laura Crawford, Membership Manager – Recording Academy, Nashville Chapter

Callie Cunningham, Manager – Red Light Management

Devin DeToro, Marketing Dir. – BBR Music Group

Crystal Dishmon, Artist Manager – ShopKeeper Management

Chip Dorsch, Marketing – Red Light Management

Janet Edbrooke, Publicist- Essential Broadcast Media

Emily Evans, VP, Strategic Initiatives – Country Music Association

Nicole Flammia, Sr. Creative Dir., Photo and Video Production – Big Machine Label Group

Catherine Frizzell, VP, Marketing – Country Music Association

Lauren Funk, Sr. Creative Dir. – Big Yellow Dog Music

Melissa Goldberg, Sr. Dir., Digital and Social – CMT (ViacomCBS)

Travis Gordon, Sr. Creative Dir. – Universal Music Publishing Group

JD Groover, Sr. Creative Dir. and A&R – Sea Gayle Music

Bret Guest, Business Manager, Touring – Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group

Brooke Hardesty, Sr. Dir., Interactive Marketing – Warner Music Nashville

Jennifer Heaton, Dir., Strategic Partnerships – Academy of Country Music

Jarrod Holley, Manager – Make Wake Artists

Laura Hostelley, Dir. of Marketing – Triple Tigers Records

Jen Hubbard, Creative Dir. – Concord Music Publishing

Clay Hunt, Manager – Red Light Management

Kelly Jarrell, Manager – Sandbox Entertainment

Ashley Jeanette, Dir. of Transition – Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group

Nina Jenkins, Creative Dir. – Jody Williams Songs

Tori Johnson, Sr. Dir. of Creative and Digital – Big Loud Records

Evyn Mustoe Johnston, Dir. of Membership – ASCAP

MaryAnn Keen, Assoc. Dir., Creative, Nashville – BMI

Katie Kerkhover, Sr. Creative Dir. – BMG

Heather Kinder, Chief Of Staff – Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group

Lenore Kinder, Agent – Paradigm Talent Agency

Mary Catherine Kinney, Mgr., Spotify Artist and Label Partnerships, Nashville – Spotify

Rohan Kohli, Sr. Dir., A&R – Warner Music Nashville

Bailey Lathem, VP – City National Bank

Rummy Le Guevel, Sr. Accountant, Business Management -Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group

Dorothy Leonhardt, Partner – Huskins-Harris

Mark Logsdon, Exec. Dir. – PLA Media

Sloane Cavitt Logue, Head of Crossover of the Nashville office – WME

Zebb Luster, Dir. of Creative/A&R – River House Artists

Nick Maiale, Dir., Events, Marketing and Partnerships – Music Business Association (Music Biz)

Ali Matkosky, National Dir. of Promotion – Big Loud Records

Amanda Mitchell, Junior Business Manager – Farris, Self & Moore

Melissa Moldovan, Sr. Mgr., Marketing – Academy of Country Music

Matthew Morgan, Music Agent – WME

Colt Murski, VP, Country Publishing and Creative – Curb | Word Entertainment

Travis Myatt, VP, Creative – Twelve6

Austin Neal, Music Agent – WME

Spencer Nohe, Dir., A&R – Warner Chappell

Emily Peacock, Creative Dir. – Tree Vibez Music

Mary Catherine Rebrovick, Dir., Publicity – Warner Music Nashville

Nate Ritches, Music Agent – Paradigm Talent Agency

Nicole Rivera, Dir. of Programs – Musicians On Call

Missy Roberts, Sr. Creative Dir. – Universal Music Publishing Group

Carter Robinson, Sr. VP, Music Entertainment and Sports Group – Pinnacle Financial Partners

Josh Saxe, Sr. Creative Dir. – Endurance Music Group

Diana Akin Scarfo, Dir. of International Digital Administration – SESAC

Dane Schmidt, Dir. of A&R – Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville

Ben Skipworth, Sr. Dir. of Creative, Video – Big Loud Records

Alex Stefano, GM Creative, Film + TV Sync – Big Yellow Dog Music

Dustin Stout, Dir., Digital/Tour Marketing – Morris Higham Management

Clark Tedesco, Sr. Dir., Artist Development – Warner Music Nashville

Alina Thompson, Mgr. of Artist Marketing and Industry Relations – SiriusXM/Pandora

Margaret Tomlin, Dir., A&R – Sony Music Nashville

Joshua Tomlinson, Assoc. Dir., Creative, Nashville – BMI

Jennifer Turnbow, Sr. Dir. of Operations – Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)

Dustin Turner, Music Marketing Agent – CAA Music Nashville

Farrah Usmani, Associate – Loeb & Loeb, LLP

Jessi Vaughn, Mgr., A&R/Digital – Warner Chappell

Elisa Vazzana, Music Agent – CAA Music Nashville

Matt Watkins, President of Marketing and International – The AristoMedia Group

Jennifer Way, Sr. Dir., Marketing – Sony Music Nashville

Hollister Whaling, Junior Business Manager – Farris, Self & Moore

Bailey White, Promotions Manager – Black River Entertainment

Hannah Wilson, Dir., A&R – Universal Music Group Nashville

Tiffany Young, Sr. VP, Operations – SMACK

MusicRow Reveals 2021 Next Big Thing Artists List

/by

MusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists, who in 2021, are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT). The annual NBT list features 11 artists, who are each profiled in MusicRow‘s latest 2021 Touring Issue print magazine, which hits shelves today (Dec. 1).

MusicRow Magazine’s Next Big Thing Class of 2021 has set itself apart from today’s artists with talent and hard work. Some of these NBT artists have just released their first singles, while others are celebrating chart-topping hits. All have broken through by bringing unique styles and by surrounding themselves with team members who champion them.

They are diverse in sound, style and level of success, but what they have in common is extraordinary talent and a passion for today’s ever-evolving country music format. These future stars are sure to lure a broad spectrum of listeners to the genre’s growing umbrella. And with touring at a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic, some of these up-and-comers are making the most of their social media savviness.

Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow memberships.

MusicRow Magazine’s 2021 Next Big Thing Artists:

BRELAND

Bad Realm/Atlantic Records / self-published / WME / Why & How Projects/SAL&CO / BMI

BRELAND roared into the burgeoning territory of country-trap with his co-written and self-released smash “My Truck.” The track blew up on social media, reaching Gold certification and a music video with more than 30 million views, and solidified his place as a pioneer of the sub-genre that melds rural lyrical references and hip-hop beats.

As a songwriter, BRELAND previously scored cuts by rappers ELHAE and YK Osiris, and recently Trey Songz. After “My Truck” took off, a record deal followed, and BRELAND’s self-titled EP affirmed his country status with guest appearances by Sam Hunt, Lauren Alaina, and Chase Rice.

 

PRISCILLA BLOCK

Mercury Nashville/InDent Records / BMI

Buzzed-about singer-songwriter Priscilla Block signed with Universal Music Group Nashville this fall, bringing with her a significant fan base and fast-rising single “Just About Over You.” No wonder the labels were chomping at the bit—this Raleigh, North Carolina native is going to be a showstopper.

She’s a spitfire on sassy songs “Thick Thighs” and “PMS,” but has plenty of songwriting depth and vocal talent to back up these candid tracks.

One of five children, Block approaches life and music with an unapologetic, let-it-all-hang out attitude that resonates with listeners. Her fans rallied together to finance the studio recording of “Just About Over You” after hearing her play it online. Produced by Ross Copperman, the song shot to the top of the iTunes all-genre chart within 12 hours.

 

SHY CARTER

Warner Music Nashville / BMG / WME / T.R.U.T.H. Management / BMI

Shy Carter is a go-to songwriter and producer behind some of the biggest songs of the last decade—now he’s ready for his turn in the spotlight. He’s been criss-crossing the country on a quarantine-friendly bus tour, taking debut single “Good Love” to radio, spreading a message of gratitude destined to be his next hit.

The Memphis native merges gospel, R&B and soul influences with a love of storytelling, and the results have garnered critical acclaim and captivated millions of listeners.

His track record includes Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away,” Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To,” Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue,” Rob Thomas’ “Someday,” and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s “Speak To A Girl.” That’s in addition to his trio of Kane Brown hits (“Good As You,” “Worldwide Beautiful,” “Heaven”) and as a featured guest on Keith Urban’s “Never Comin’ Down.”

 

TRAVIS DENNING

Mercury Nashville / RED Creative / WME / Red Light Management / BMI

Travis Denning scored his first No. 1 in 2020, with the enticing, driving rhythm of “After A Few,” and with 340 million streams under his belt buckle, this Georgia boy is just getting started.

Heading into 2021 he’s adding fuel to the fire with the clever new single “Where That Beer’s Been” (hint: he knows where it’s going). Denning also released fan-favorite track “Goodyears” after it grew to popularity during his live shows. “After A Few” and “Where That Beer’s Been” are from his recently-released debut EP Beer’s Better Cold.

Kicking off his career as a talented songwriter, Denning moved to Nashville and secured cuts by Jason Aldean, Justin Moore and others. Adding to his success this year is Michael Ray’s Top 20 single “Her World Or Mine,” which he co-wrote.

 

FILMORE

Curb Records / Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville / CAA / Victory Entertainment / BMI

When FILMORE moved to Nashville in 2011, he already had a load of performance experience, ranging from musicals to leading a band. As a solo artist he started independently releasing music, including the 2018 track “Slower” which racked up millions of streams and caught the attention of Curb Records.

His hooky debut album, State I’m In, is a hefty 18-song project chronicling a chapter of his life filled with ups and down, taken from experiences on the road and his hometown of Wildwood, Missouri.

FILMORE draws from a broad palate of influences, from his Colombian mother’s salsa music to his father’s 1980s favorites like John Mellencamp and Def Leppard. The result is a pop-friendly and radio-ready sound.

 

NIKO MOON

RCA Nashville / Warner Chappell / CAA / Make Wake / River House Artists / SESAC

Niko Moon is bringing laid back vibes to country radio—just like he’s been doing for more than a decade. The rising star, known as co-writer of five No. 1’s by Zac Brown Band, is riding high with his own Gold-certified single, “Good Time.” It is climbing the country charts and marks his first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 all-genre chart.

Originally from Texas, Moon relocated to Georgia as a child, absorbing the state’s country music influences as well as Atlanta’s hip-hop sound. Along the way he grew to embrace elements of the rural lifestyle and his musical family introduced him to artists such as John Prine and Patty Griffin.

He melds these influences into tracks “Paradise To Me,” and the newer “Dance With Me,” which he co-wrote with wife Anna Moon, and longtime co-producer Joshua Murty.

 

JAMESON RODGERS

River House Artists/Columbia Nashville / Combustion / CAA / Red Light Management / ASCAP

Jameson Rodgers is one of today’s best new artists, offering rock sensibilities which fit snugly into a country radio playlist—that’s part of the appeal of his No. 1 debut single, “Some Girls.”

He can lean a little dark (“Midnight Daydream”), or veer smoothly into the mainstream sunshine with “Grew Up In The Country” and “Cold Beer Calling My Name” featuring Luke Combs. What all of Rodgers’ songs have in common are smart lyrics and his knack for selecting quality material.

It’s no surprise he’s a song man, he’s co-writer of Platinum-selling hits for Florida Georgia Line (“Talk You Out of It”) and Chris Lane (“I Don’t Know About You”) as well as the title track of Luke Bryan’s Born Here Live Here Die Here. Rodgers is the 2020 MusicRow Awards Robert K. Oermann Discovery Artist of the Year.

 

ELVIE SHANE

BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records / Rome Phrey Publishing / UTA / Maverick / BMI

Elvie Shane’s soulful Southern rock sound first caught the attention of the national audience during his 2016 appearance on American Idol, and grew exponentially two years later with the self-release of his song “My Boy.” The heartfelt song about his stepson became a viral sensation, and an anthem for non-traditional family dynamics.

Raised in Kentucky, Shane took small town sensibilities to heart, grew up on gospel music at the local Baptist church, and absorbed influences as varied as John Fogerty, Steve Earle, Roger Miller and The Temptations.

In 2019 Shane signed with BBR Music Group. The label began working “My Boy” at country radio in late September, with Shane performing about five full-band shows per day for six weeks as part of his virtual radio tour.

 

PAYTON SMITH

Big Machine Records / Eclipse Music Group / WME / The AMG / BMI

20-year-old guitar slinger Payton Smith is on the fast track to stardom. The Louisiana native’s debut single “Like I Knew You Would” is rising quickly at radio, powered by a sound sure to entice fans.

It’s one of the songs Smith co-wrote for his upbeat, self-titled EP produced by hitmaker James Stroud. On the tracks, Smith shows off a mix of solid songs, youthful charm and his killer skills as a multi-instrumentalist.

Smith’s onstage performance chops first caught the attention of BMLG Pres./CEO Scott Borchetta when the young artist was playing on a small stage at CMA Music Festival in 2018. After seeing Smith tear through his original songs, Borchetta signed him to the label.

 

HAILEY WHITTERS

Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters / CAA / BRND MGMT/Make Wake Artists / ASCAP

The Dream has come to fruition. Hailey Whitters is on a hard-fought, well-deserved path toward lasting success. Long championed by the Nashville music industry, this singer-songwriter has come into her own as an artist, being recognized beyond Music City.

Her excellent album The Dream explores struggle, perseverance, happiness and hope, all delivered by her lovely, distinctive voice. Whitters doesn’t shy away from honest perspective—both her own and others’—offered by vivid characters like “Janice at the Hotel Bar.” Among many excellent songs on the album, one obvious standout is “Heartland,” about finding comfort in your hometown.

Whitters frequent collaborators include heavyweights like Lori McKenna with whom she co-wrote “Happy People,” which was previously recorded and released by Little Big Town and is now on The Dream. In 2020, Whitters was voted AIMP Nashville Rising Artist-Writer of the Year and was part of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2020.

 

LAINEY WILSON

Broken Bow Records / Sony/ATV / WME / Red Light Management / ASCAP

Lainey Wilson’s debut EP, Redneck Hollywood, is an impressive piece of work from a debut artist, accented by her lilting twang and elevated songwriting. Adding to the appeal is production courtesy of studio wizard Jay Joyce.

Wilson wraps up a balance of spitfire and sensitivity into a radio-ready package. It’s a winning combination found on her current single “Things A Man Oughta Know.” The Louisiana native isn’t afraid to get rowdy on “Straight Up Sideways” and embraces her home state on the loosely autobiographical “LA.”

After landing her record deal with BBR Music Group/BMG, Wilson was selected as part of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2019, and earned a spot opening for Morgan Wallen during his 2019 If I Know Me tour.