DISClaimer: Hailey Whitters’ “Ten Year Town” Offers Eloquence And Truth

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Hailey Whitters

In a genre infamous for its treatment of female artists, country music’s women command center stage today in DISClaimer.

The top tempo tune belongs to that Irish lass, Mags. A quartet of distaff singer-songwriters pinned my ears back during the listening session. Among them, you’ll find our award winners.

The gifted four are Jenny Tolman, Lauren Jenkins, Rachel Wammack and Hailey Whitters. The DisCovery Award goes to Lauren Jenkins. And give a long overdue Disc of the Day honor to Hailey Whitters.

These are all women you need to get to know. NOW.

LAUREN JENKINS/Running Out Of Road
Writers: Lauren Jenkins/Ingrid Andress/Jessie Jo Dillon/Tina Parol; Producers: Julian Raymond/Lauren Jenkins; Publishers: Super Big/Elle Jae/Big Machine/Songs of Universal/Straight From the Art/New Writers of Sea Gayle/Clear Box Rights/Revelry/Jay Gatsby/Kobalt/Sony-ATV/Songs of Blue Bandana/Twentyfourtina, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
– Languidly pleasing. The tempo drags somewhat, but that allows for clarity in her husky delivery of the lyric. The ringing, extended guitar solo at the fade is ultra cool (thank you, Tom Bukovac). Extremely promising.

AMERICAN YOUNG/Gonna Be You
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– Lovely. Their voices are like twin pearls in an oyster shell. The production surrounding them is a velvet jewel case. The aching-for-love lyric is poignant and sweet. I’m in.

BRAD PAISLEY/My Miracle
Writers: Brad Paisley/Gary Nicholson; Producers: Dann Huff/Luke Wooten; Arista
– Groove soaked, yet heartfelt. It’s an unabashed love song to his wife with finely polished lyrics. He had me from the opening lines, “This is the gospel, according to me/A tale of whiskey turned to wine.” The icing on the cake is his guitar work.

CORINNE COOK/One Box of Tissues
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CCM
– It’s such a cool title. But the stumbling, oafish, lead-footed production does her no favors. And she has sharp, pitchy vocal problems of her own.

HAILEY WHITTERS/Ten Year Town
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Brandy Clark; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; HW
– Eloquence and truth in every perfectly crafted line. If there’s a better song about being an aspiring country female artist, I’ve never heard it. It’s obviously her own story, which makes her dry, ironic delivery all the more touching. The great Brandy Clark is here as her cowriter, but Hailey’s recording deserves its own shining spotlight and a standing ovation. You must hear this. As for me, I absolutely cannot wait for her next album. It’s going to be awesome.

RACHEL WAMMACK/Enough
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Laura Veltz/Sam Ellis; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– She’s so talented. Her ballad “Damage” was a masterpiece. This upbeat follow-up finds her vocally taking wing in a churning, echoey, dense, electronic bed of sonic splendor. I remain a major fan.

CALE DODDS/I Like Where This Is Going
Writers: Cale Dodds/busbee/Nicolle Galyon; Producer: none listed: Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Young romance set to music. Warm sounding, with plenty of verve and enthusiasm. You can practically hear him smiling.

JENNY TOLMAN/Welcome Mat
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publishers: none listed; JT
– This woman is a major talent. Her new ballad is effortlessly country, yet with a contemporary, conversational lyric about acceptance and inclusiveness. In these divisive times, she is a voice of gentility, grace and peace. Play this.

MAGS/Run
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: noen listed; Emerald Field
– She’s rocking out, cautioning her heart to get outta Dodge fast, before it falls too hard for a charming ex. This got my heart pumping and my feet tapping from the opening downbeat.

COLT FORD/How To Lose A Woman
Writers: Noah Gordon/Lance Miller/Wade Kirby; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Average Joes
– His finest effort to date. The cautionary, instructional lyric is loaded with truth. The melody is delicious. His delivery sounds like your buddy on the next barstool telling you things you need to hear. A star-making performance.

Woodstock 50 To Include Plenty Of Nashville Talent

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Woodstock is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a giant festival at Watkins Glen, New York, slated for Aug. 16-18. Performers with Nashville ties who are set to appear include The Ranconteurs, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Larkin Poe, Anderson East, The Black Keys, Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price, Soccer Mommy, Judah & The Lion, Brandi Carlile, and Cage the Elephant.

Dead and Company, John Fogerty, Santana, John Sebastian, Country Joe McDonald, Canned Heat and Hot Tuna – all acts that took part in the 1969 festival –are part of the upcoming Woodstock 50 anniversary festival.

Tickets for Woodstock 50 will go on sale April 22. Complete information is available on the festival’s website. Woodstock 50 will support causes that represent the issues of the times, including Conservation International, Hiring America, The Dolphin Project, March For Our Lives, and more.

Woodstock 50 Lineup:

Aug. 16:
The Killers
Miley Cyrus
Santana
The Lumineers
The Raconteurs
Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
John Fogerty
Run the Jewels
The Head and the Heart
Maggie Rogers
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Bishop Briggs
Anderson East
Akron
Princess Nokia
John Sebastian
Melanie
Grandson
Fever 333
Dorothy
Flora Cash
Larkin Poe
Brian Cadd
Ninet Tayeb

Aug. 17:
Dead & Company
Chance the Rapper
The Black Keys
Sturgill Simpson
Greta Van Fleet
Portugal
The Man
Leon Bridges
Gary Clark Jr.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
David Crosby and Friends
Dawes
Margo Price
Nahko and Medicine for the People
India Arie
Jade Bird
Country Joe McDonald
Rival Sons
Emily King
Soccer Mommy
Sir
Taylor Bennett
Amy Helm
Courtney Hadwin
Pearl
John-Robert
IAMDDB

Aug. 18:
Jay-Z
Imagine Dragons
Halsey
Cage the Elephant
Brandi Carlile
Janelle Monae
Young the Giant
Courtney Barnett
Common
Vince Staples
Judah and the Lion
Earl Sweatshirt
Boygenius
Reignwolf
The Zombies
Canned Heat
Hot Tuna
Pussy Riot
Cherry Glazerr
Leven Kali
The Marcus King Band
Victory
Hollis Brown
John Craigie
Amigo the Devil
Liz Brasher

Rising Women On The Row Spotlight: 5 Questions With Curb/Word’s Janine Ebach

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MusicRow Magazine’s eighth annual Rising Women on the Row event will be held Tuesday, March 26, at Omni Hotel Nashville.

This year’s honorees include Sandi Spika Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group, Sr. VP Creative), Janine Ebach (Curb|Word Music Publishing, VP), Kelly Janson (Manager, Kelly Janson Management), Meredith Jones (Creative Artists Agency, Agent), Lenore Kinder (Paradigm Talent Agency, Agent), and Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI, Sr. Director of Operations).

Leading up to the event, MusicRow is spotlighting each honoree with a brief Q&A.

Janine Ebach launched Word Publishing’s country division in 2013, and has gone on to celebrate multiple No. 1 songs, including the Platinum-selling singles “Sleep Without You” (Brett Young), “Singles You Up” (Jordan Davis), and Gold-selling “Heartache On The Dance Floor” (Jon Pardi) and more recently “Good Girl” (Dustin Lynch). Additional singles and cuts have been recorded by George Strait, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Tim & Faith, Dan + Shay, Lindsay Ell, Randy Houser, Russell Dickerson, Jordan Davis and more. When Curb Records and Word Entertainment merged in 2018, Ebach was elevated to Vice President, Curb|Word Music Publishing. Ebach’s current roster includes 72 writers across multiple genres. A graduate of Belmont University, Janine Ebach launched her career at THiS Music in 2007 before joining Word Publishing. Ebach serves on the board of the W.O. Smith School and is the current recipient of the AIMP’s Song Champion of the Year Award.

MusicRow: What is the biggest lesson on leadership you have learned in your career?
Empower people. Give them the freedom to be an entrepreneur and everybody wins.

MR: Who has been one of your biggest mentors, and what have they taught you?
Our CEO, Jim Ed Norman. For the last few years I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with him through the company transition, and there is a reason he is a music business legend in this town. He is patient, doesn’t get worked up over small stuff. He’s taught me so much about becoming a better executive, a better leader—even a better person. People love him and respect him. He makes you want to work harder and teaches you life lessons without you even realizing it, he has done so many positive things and is one of the kindest, and most humble humans I know.

MR: Describe a time that you took a big risk in your career, and how did it pay off?
Leaving my first industry job after seven years was extremely tough, we were family. I knew in my heart of hearts it was the right decision and time for me to move onto my next adventure. It was a very tough transition, full of daily doubt, and up hill battles. Somehow, I continued to believe and fight for what I was doing, the writers I had signed, and in myself really. There were days I wasn’t sure how I was going to continue to do it, but those small victories kept me going… then our first radio single, more cuts, singles and songs on the charts and our first No. 1. If I had known then what I know now, I would have stepped out quicker and further and not tried to fight against what was meant to be.

MR: As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, what changes in the music industry excite you the most?
While most think streaming is a negative, I actually see it as a positive. More indie artists are given the opportunity to release music without anyone knowing who they are. More songs are releasing, more folks are looking up old George Strait records, or their favorite song from middle school, because it’s so easily accessed. Music lives on, plays on over and over, and we’re paid based on every time someone listens vs. one record sale or single sale. If we can just get the payments fair, we all win.

MR: Favorite Nashville place to hold a business meeting/lunch?
Breakfast: J. Christopher’s, First Watch, Noshville
Lunch: Thai Isane, Ted’s Montana Grill, Midtown Cafe
Drinks: Flyte, The Hutton Bar

(City National Bank, Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, and Loeb & Loeb are again the Presenting Sponsors for the 2019 Rising Women on the Row.)

Warner/Chappell, Altadena Ink Joint Publishing Deal With Ben West

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Pictured (L-R): T.D.Ruth (Serling Rooks), Alison Junker (WCM), Noreen Prunier (Altadena), Ben West, Daniel Lee (Altadena), busbee (Altadena), Ben Vaughn (WCM)

Hit songwriter and producer Ben West has signed a joint worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, and Altadena, busbee‘s music company that launched last year as a joint venture with Warner Bros. Records.

In addition to penning songs for hit artists across the pop, country, indie rock, and electronica genres, including P!nk, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Carly Pearce, and JR JR, West has also found wide-ranging success in sync. His work has been featured on numerous high-profile television shows including 13 Reasons Why, Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol, Parenthood, General Hospital, One Tree Hill, Revenge, Younger, So You Think You Can Dance, and the feature film Bad Moms. His songs have also been placed in advertisements for BMW, Chevrolet, and McDonald’s, among others.

A Michigan-native who has been traveling regularly to Nashville for years, West has worked with many of the town’s top hitmakers. He currently resides in the Detroit area with his wife, Megan, and their four children.

Artist Updates: Brett Kissel, Donovan Woods, Tanya Tucker, Cherie Oakley

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Brett Kissel Takes Home Juno For Country Album Of Year

Brett Kissel was awarded the Juno award for Country Album of the Year for his album, We Were That Song from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in London, Ontario on March 17. This is the second Juno win for Kissel, who won in 2014 for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Just a few days prior to winning the Juno, he was awarded a Gold record for his single “Anthem” (his seventh Gold record) and a “Double Road to Gold” plaque by CIMA, where he was one of the few artists to qualify in the 12-month eligibility period, for his massive 2018 “We Were That Song” tour that saw him perform over 110 dates in every province and territory in Canada.

 

Donovan Woods’ Both Ways Receives Juno For Contemporary Roots Album Of Year

Donovan Woods also picked up a 2019 Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year for last year’s Both Ways. Donovan recently dropped the stand-alone song “Go to Her,” which was recorded during the Both Ways sessions. He’s about to embark on a short run of U.S. tour dates, visiting Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Los Angeles.

 

Tanya Tucker Launches New Tequila, Cosa Salvaje

Photo: Steven Lyon

Tanya Tucker is getting into the spirits business, launching Cosa Salvaje Tequila with founder Elle France.The silver spirit distilled by the family-owned Partida Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico is from very mature Blue Agave plants, which results in a smooth, crisp taste. Every Cosa Salvaje bottle is handmade out of recycled glass. “Cosa Salvaje translates as “wild thing” in Spanish.

“I used to be a wild thing, now I just drink a wild thing! I truly love the taste of Cosa Salvaje and certainly wouldn’t be partnering with it if it didn’t pass my taste test. All my friends did a blind test with different tequilas and Cosa Salvaje was the hands down winner, so I know everyone else is going to enjoy it as much as I do. What’s even more important to me is how the agave and distilling process is environmentally conscious, so we’re taking care of our planet too,” Tucker said.

 

Cherie Oakley Joins PLA Media Roster

Cherie Oakley has joined the PLA Media roster. Oakley recently launched her debut single “Work It” which she penned with Mark Oakley and David Fanning. The single was produced by Dann Huff and Huff’s daughter Ashlyne choreographed the dance scenes in the clip, which made its world broadcast premiere last week on The Country Network.

LANCO Releases “Rival” As First Single From Upcoming Sophomore Album

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LANCO. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Double-Platinum country band LANCO returns today after their No. 1 debut album, dropping the impassioned, outsiders anthem “Rival.” The rowdy track represents the first taste of the Arista Nashville-signed band’s upcoming second album.

With Jay Joyce returning as producer, frontman Brandon Lancaster and drummer Tripp Howell co-wrote “Rival,” marking Howell’s first appearance as a writer on a LANCO project. The track was built from an off-kilter groove that Howell took to Lancaster after a show one night, which morphed into the two writing “Rival” on the back of their tour bus.

“There’s so much pressure to be like someone else or to live up to some outside expectation, especially with social media and how perfect it makes everything look,” said Lancaster. “We wrote this song from the perspective of no matter where you come from, be proud of who you are and the way you’re creating your own path. And if anyone doesn’t like it, just chalk them up as a rival and keep doing your thing.”

“We realized that everyone has faced something they have to stand up against. It isn’t about fitting into any mold, it’s about sticking up for what you believe in and having that crew of friends around that will always have your back,” Howell added. “That’s definitely a big part of our story. We didn’t know anything or anyone when we started out trying to break into this business, and I think that underdog mentality really drove us in the beginning.”

YouTube video

With the success of their debut album Hallelujah Nights and No. 1 single “Greatest Love Story,” the country band has seen a whirlwind of a year. LANCO was chosen to perform at the esteemed CRS New Faces show, they were nominated for Vocal Group of the Year at the 2018 CMA Awards, and are currently nominated for New Duo Or Group Of The Year as well as Group Of The Year at the ACM Awards.

As far as touring goes, they supported Dierks Bentley on his 2018 Mountain High Tour, they just wrapped up their own headlining tour with UMG Nashville artist, Caylee Hammack, and they are currently supporting Luke Combs on his Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour.

“It was amazing to be playing shows every night in these beautiful theaters or really awesome rock clubs and people singing not only your singles but singing along to like track seven of the record,” said bassist, Chandler Baldwin. “It was one of the most fulfilling things that I’ve gotten to do.”

The band is still writing their follow-up album to Hallelujah Nights, but the first taste, “Rival,” is out now.

In Pictures: Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, Nordstrom Host Designer Christian Louboutin In Nashville

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Karen Fairchild and Christian Louboutin. Photo: Getty Images for Nordstrom

Nordstrom and Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild hosted designer Christian Louboutin at her home in Nashville for an exclusive and intimate cocktail event. Fairchild feted the designer’s inaugural visit with the city’s biggest country music stars, music industry executives and fashion influencers.

James “JC” Curleigh, CEO of Gibson guitars, presented Louboutin with a custom Gibson guitar in signature Louboutin red. The party concluded with a musical performance by Nashville rising stars The Brummies, Fancy and Lucie Silvas.

The party celebrates the Christian Louboutin Optical Illusions Spring/Summer 2019 collection at Nordstrom. Nashville is Louboutin’s second stop in a three-city Nordstrom personal appearance tour, including Nordstrom Topanga, Nordstrom The Mall at Green Hills, and Nordstrom Michigan Avenue.

Pictured (L-R): Singer-songwriter Jesse Frasure, Maile Misajon, Christian Louboutin, Matthew Tursi of Old Dominion, Kelleigh Bannen. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

Pictured (L-R): Christian Louboutin and Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

Pictured: Jessie James Decker. Photo: Getty Images for Nordstrom

Pictured (L-R) Lucie Silvas, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town, John Osborne of Brothers Osborne. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

Pictured (L-R): Jacob Bryant of The Brummies and Natalie Osborne. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

Pictured (L-R): Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

Karen Fairchild, Christian Louboutin. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Nordstrom, Inc.

 

Ashley McBryde Earns Daytime Emmy Nomination

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Ashley McBryde.

Warner Music Nashville artist Ashley McBryde has earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Musical Performance. The “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” singer is being honored for her performance on CBS This Morning Saturday.

She joins fellow nominees Israel and Adrienne Houghton (for their performance on The Real), Lindsey Stirling‘s performance on Live with Kelly and Ryan, The Band’s Visit on The Today Show, and Ben Rector‘s performance on Pickler and Ben.

McBryde is also nominated in the recently-announced AIMP Awards’ Publisher Pick category, for “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” She will perform on the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7, where she is nominated for New Female Artist of the Year. McBryde also has a collaboration on Brooks & Dunn’s upcoming Reboot project, where she offered vocals on “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.” She will perform during CMA Music Festival, on the Chevy Riverfront Stage.

4th Annual AIMP Nashville Awards Reveal Nominees

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers will host its 4th annual AIMP Nashville Awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. The awards show, created by the Nashville chapter of the AIMP, celebrates the thriving independent publishing and songwriting community in Nashville.

This year’s AIMP Nashville Independent Spirit Award will go to Celia Froehlig.

The final ballot for the remaining awards is open beginning today, and closes on Thursday, March 28 at 5 p.m. CT. Eligible voters must be active members of the Nashville chapter of the AIMP.

The final nominees are listed below:

AIMP NASHVILLE RISING SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR 
Aaron Eshuis
Alysa Vanderheym
Ben Goldsmith
Jameson Rodgers
Mike Walker
Will Weatherly

AIMP NASHVILLE RISING ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR 
Abby Anderson
Adam Hambrick
HARDY
Teddy Robb
Tenille Townes
Travis Denning

AIMP NASHVILLE ARTIST-WRITER OF THE YEAR 
Brett Young
David Lee Murphy
Jimmie Allen
Jordan Davis
Luke Combs
Maren Morris
Old Dominion

AIMP NASHVILLE SONG CHAMPION OF THE YEAR 
Alex Heddle
Jeff Skaggs
Lee Krabel
Leslie Roberts
Shannan Hatch
Stephanie Cox

AIMP NASHVILLE PUBLISHER’S PICK
“Always Remember Us This Way” (Lady Gaga, Natalie Hemby, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna) independently published by MV2 Entertainment, Rezonant Music Publishing, Creative Nation Music

“Girl Goin’ Nowhere” (Ashley McBryde, Jeremy Bussey) independently published by Song Factory

“Made For You” (Benjy Davis, Joey Hyde, Neil Medley) independently published by Plaid Flag Music, HoriPro Entertainment Group

“Monday Morning Merle” (Bart Butler, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Lance Miller) independently published by HoriPro Entertainment Group, Bill Butler Music, Big Loud Publishing, Round Hill Music

“People Get Old” (Lori McKenna) independently published by Creative Nation Music

“Somebody’s Daughter” (Tenille Townes, Barry Dean, Luke Laird) independently published by Big Yellow Dog Music, Pulse Songs, Creative Nation Music

AIMP NASHVILLE SONG OF THE YEAR 
“Break Up In The End” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase McGill, Jon Nite) independently published by Big Machine Music

“Burning Man” (Luke Dick, Bobby Pinson) independently published by Little Louder Music, Sea Gayle Music

“Drowns The Whiskey” (Brandon Kinney, Jeff Middleton, Josh Thompson) independently published by Tom Leis Music, Love Monkey Music, Liz Rose Music, Big Machine Music

“I Lived It” (Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip) independently published by Rezonant Music Publishing, Combustion Music, Round Hill Music, THiS Music

“Rainbow” (Kacey Musgraves, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally) independently published by MV2 Entertainment, SMACKSongs

“Take It From Me” (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Jason Gantt) independently published by ole, Wrensong Entertainment, Rezonant Music Publishing, Love Monkey Music

AIMP NASHVILLE SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Ashley Gorley
Hillary Lindsey
Jessie Jo Dillon
Josh Osborne
Ross Copperman
Shane McAnally

AIMP NASHVILLE PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR 
Big Loud Publishing
Big Machine Music
Combustion Music
Rezonant Music Publishing
Round Hill Music
SMACKSongs

Nashville Meets London Week Returns In July

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Representatives of the international music brand, Nashville Meets London (NML), have announced the return of Nashville Meets London Week, set for July 24-27, 2019.

Kicking off the event series is Nashville Meets London Presents at PizzaExpress Live! on Wednesday and Thursday, July 24-25, followed by the return of the Nashville Meets London ‘Southern Fridays’ Boat Cruise, in partnership with Buck’ N Bull Saloon, on Friday, July 26 and the popular Nashville Meets London Music Festival on Saturday, July 27 at Canary Wharf.

Launched in August 2016 as a music festival, Nashville Meets London has developed into a global music brand providing opportunities that support the globalization of country and Americana music. The brand’s mission is to expand on the cultural and economic exchange of music while driving more synergy between the recording and live performance industries in the United States and the UK.

The festival, which has become London’s largest free country music festival, is held at Canada Square Park in Canary Wharf and is part of Canary Wharf’s Arts + Events program. Talent confirmed to appear in 2019 will be announced soon.

The Nashville Meets London Music Festival is co-produced by Peter Conway Management, Christy Walker-Watkins and Matt Watkins of Nashville-based agency, The AristoMedia Group, and Canary Wharf Group. U.K. based radio DJ Baylen Leonard leads the artistic programme and serves as the host. Ascot Travel Services exclusively books travel for the Nashville Meets London Music Festival.

Tickets are available here.