Old Dominion Earns New RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Clint Higham (Morris Higham), Taylor Lindsey (Sony Music Nashville), Trevor Rosen, Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi, Matthew Ramsey, Ken Rebold (Sony Music Nashville) and Will Hitchcock (Morris Higham).
Old Dominion has earned new RIAA certifications, marking “Memory Lane” going double Platinum, “Snapback” hitting triple Platinum, and “One Man Band” ascending to 8x Platinum.
The honors were presented by representatives from Sony Nashville during a listening party for the band’s upcoming record Barbara at their own Odie’s bar.
“What do I say now?” frontman Matthew Ramsey said while holding the new Platinum record for “One Man Band.” “We’re very excited about this album. I think it’s the most united we’ve been as a band, from the writing, recording, to how we feel about the final product. We can’t wait to share it with you.”
CMHOFM Honors Alison Brown
Pictured (L-R, back row): Museum writer-editor Allison Moorer, Lorianne Crook, Sally Williams, Alison Brown, Sarah Trahern and museum CEO Kyle Young. (L-R, front row) Bebe Evans and Bonnie Garner. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recognized Alison Brown this week at its 17th annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum in the museum’s Ford Theater. This annual forum, which began in 2007, recognizes music industry leaders who continue the legacy of Louise Scruggs. During an in-depth interview with museum writer-editor Allison Moorer, Brown discussed her more than 35 years as a musician, producer, songwriter and record label executive. The program featured a special performance by Brown, Becky Buller, Sierra Hull and Molly Tuttle.
Known for her blend of diverse musical styles, Brown has recorded twelve solo albums and has produced works for Claire Lynch, Bobby Osborne and Peter Rowan, among others. She released her Grammy-nominated debut album, Simple Pleasures, in 1990 and became the first woman to win the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Banjo Player of the Year award in 1991. Brown won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 2001 and was inducted into the American Banjo Hall of Fame in 2019. In 1995, Brown co-founded the internationally recognized label Compass Records with her husband, Garry West. Over the last 30 years, the label has amassed a catalog of more than 1,000 releases across multiple imprints.
Nikki Kovacevich Joins Black River Entertainment As Marketing & PR Coordinator
Nikki Kovacevich. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Black River Entertainment has added Nikki Kovacevich as Marketing and PR Coordinator.
The Ohio native has made stops at The Lede Company and King Publicity prior to joining Black River.
“I’m so excited to start this journey with Black River Entertainment,” says Kovacevich. “Working alongside such creative and driven artists and staff is honestly surreal. I can’t wait to dive in, grow, and be a part of shaping what’s next!”
Under Color Celebrates Launch
Photo: Jordan Simison
Under Color, the new artist management and creative services company founded by Kohl Almire, officially celebrated its launch on Aug. 12 at The Lipstick Lounge. The evening featured performances from roster artists Maddie Medley and Harleigh Colt (Charlie Holt), drawing a full house of artists, industry leaders and community members in support.
“Launching Under Color is about creating a space where artists can be fully themselves,” says Almire. “This event wasn’t just a celebration of the company, it was a celebration of the community we’re building around vulnerability, artistry and identity.”
Jon Wolfe and Friends: Hill Country Flood Relief Benefit Raises $115,000
Jon Wolfe and Friends: Hill Country Flood Relief Benefit
The Jon Wolfe and Friends: Hill Country Flood Relief Benefit raised over $115,000. Wolfe was joined on stage by Tracy Byrd, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, William Beckmann, Radney Foster, Kelly Willis, Jake Worthington, Kylie Frey, Bleu Edmondson, Billie Jo Jones, Walker Montgomery, David Lewis, Clay Hollis and Cody Hibbard.
“Last night was a true testament to the heart of the hill country and the selfless people that live here and visit here. It was truly a special night for a much needed cause. The impact of the catastrophic floods in Kerr County and surrounding areas has left such a massive need for help – I’m beyond thankful to have the opportunity to work with Gruene Hall and humbled by the amazing artists that gave of their time and talents,” shares Wolfe.
Industry Ink: Old Dominion, Alison Brown, Nikki Kovacevich, Under Color, Jon Wolfe
/by Lauryn SinkOld Dominion Earns New RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Clint Higham (Morris Higham), Taylor Lindsey (Sony Music Nashville), Trevor Rosen, Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi, Matthew Ramsey, Ken Rebold (Sony Music Nashville) and Will Hitchcock (Morris Higham).
Old Dominion has earned new RIAA certifications, marking “Memory Lane” going double Platinum, “Snapback” hitting triple Platinum, and “One Man Band” ascending to 8x Platinum.
The honors were presented by representatives from Sony Nashville during a listening party for the band’s upcoming record Barbara at their own Odie’s bar.
“What do I say now?” frontman Matthew Ramsey said while holding the new Platinum record for “One Man Band.” “We’re very excited about this album. I think it’s the most united we’ve been as a band, from the writing, recording, to how we feel about the final product. We can’t wait to share it with you.”
CMHOFM Honors Alison Brown
Pictured (L-R, back row): Museum writer-editor Allison Moorer, Lorianne Crook, Sally Williams, Alison Brown, Sarah Trahern and museum CEO Kyle Young. (L-R, front row) Bebe Evans and Bonnie Garner. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recognized Alison Brown this week at its 17th annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum in the museum’s Ford Theater. This annual forum, which began in 2007, recognizes music industry leaders who continue the legacy of Louise Scruggs. During an in-depth interview with museum writer-editor Allison Moorer, Brown discussed her more than 35 years as a musician, producer, songwriter and record label executive. The program featured a special performance by Brown, Becky Buller, Sierra Hull and Molly Tuttle.
Known for her blend of diverse musical styles, Brown has recorded twelve solo albums and has produced works for Claire Lynch, Bobby Osborne and Peter Rowan, among others. She released her Grammy-nominated debut album, Simple Pleasures, in 1990 and became the first woman to win the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Banjo Player of the Year award in 1991. Brown won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 2001 and was inducted into the American Banjo Hall of Fame in 2019. In 1995, Brown co-founded the internationally recognized label Compass Records with her husband, Garry West. Over the last 30 years, the label has amassed a catalog of more than 1,000 releases across multiple imprints.
Nikki Kovacevich Joins Black River Entertainment As Marketing & PR Coordinator
Nikki Kovacevich. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Black River Entertainment has added Nikki Kovacevich as Marketing and PR Coordinator.
The Ohio native has made stops at The Lede Company and King Publicity prior to joining Black River.
“I’m so excited to start this journey with Black River Entertainment,” says Kovacevich. “Working alongside such creative and driven artists and staff is honestly surreal. I can’t wait to dive in, grow, and be a part of shaping what’s next!”
Under Color Celebrates Launch
Photo: Jordan Simison
Under Color, the new artist management and creative services company founded by Kohl Almire, officially celebrated its launch on Aug. 12 at The Lipstick Lounge. The evening featured performances from roster artists Maddie Medley and Harleigh Colt (Charlie Holt), drawing a full house of artists, industry leaders and community members in support.
“Launching Under Color is about creating a space where artists can be fully themselves,” says Almire. “This event wasn’t just a celebration of the company, it was a celebration of the community we’re building around vulnerability, artistry and identity.”
Jon Wolfe and Friends: Hill Country Flood Relief Benefit Raises $115,000
Jon Wolfe and Friends: Hill Country Flood Relief Benefit
The Jon Wolfe and Friends: Hill Country Flood Relief Benefit raised over $115,000. Wolfe was joined on stage by Tracy Byrd, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, William Beckmann, Radney Foster, Kelly Willis, Jake Worthington, Kylie Frey, Bleu Edmondson, Billie Jo Jones, Walker Montgomery, David Lewis, Clay Hollis and Cody Hibbard.
“Last night was a true testament to the heart of the hill country and the selfless people that live here and visit here. It was truly a special night for a much needed cause. The impact of the catastrophic floods in Kerr County and surrounding areas has left such a massive need for help – I’m beyond thankful to have the opportunity to work with Gruene Hall and humbled by the amazing artists that gave of their time and talents,” shares Wolfe.
Sons Of Habit Sign With WME
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, front row): Hagan Edge, Dalton Daniels, Mitchell Douglas, Jeffrey Parish and Noah Patrick; (L-R, back row): WME’s Adam Fisher, Champ Management / Red Light Management’s Evan Miller and Matt Musacchio and WME’s Janelle Flint. Photo: Dakota DeGraw
Rising indie folk band Sons of Habit has signed with WME for exclusive global representation across all areas.
Formed only a year ago in the small community of Habit, Kentucky, Sons of Habit is comprised of childhood friends lead singer Mitchell Douglas, writing partner Hagan Edge and bandmates Dalton Daniels, Jeffrey Parish and Noah Patrick—all who hail from Owensboro, Kentucky. The group takes its name from the trailer in Habit where they first began making their music, blending country grit, rock edge and heartfelt storytelling into a sound all their own.
Last week, the band released “Fool’s Gold,” which comes on the heels of their debut EP, Nostalgia, released earlier this year. Fans can hear the music and more as the band continues their “A Long Way From Corydon Tour.” Since their first single “Madeline,” Sons of Habit has earned millions of streams, played headline shows nationwide, and shared stages with Ole 60, Shane Smith & The Saints, The Revivalists and Dustin Lynch.
“Sons of Habit’s authenticity, musicianship and undeniable chemistry make them one of the most exciting new acts on the scene,” says WME’s Adam Fisher. “We’re thrilled to welcome them to WME and look forward to helping them bring their music to audiences worldwide.”
“We’ve been chasing this dream since those first nights in the trailer back in Habit, Kentucky,” says Sons of Habit. “To have WME in our corner means we can take the music we love to even more people, in more places, than we ever imagined. This is just the beginning.”
Noah James Signs With Santa Anna/Sony Music
/by Lorie HollabaughNoah James
Baton Rouge-based singer-songwriter Noah James has signed with Santa Anna/Sony Music.
The 18-year-old will release his debut EP, The Tracks, on Aug. 15. The project features the new single “Howl At The Moon,” a captivating duet with newcomer Anna Rae.
“‘Howl At The Moon’ is about the kind of love that lingers when someone’s gone,” explains James. “It captures the loneliness of life on the road and the ache of missing someone so deeply it feels like your heart is howling for them.”
James has already connected with his rapidly growing audience, amassing over 50 million TikTok views and nearly 300,000 followers. His debut singles “Set Free,” “Love Run Cold,” and “Same Old Things” have drawn comparisons to modern country storytellers like Zach Bryan and Wyatt Flores.
LAST DAY: Voting For 37th Annual MusicRow Awards Ends TODAY
/by MusicRow StaffToday is the last day to vote for the 37th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank. Ballots can be cast until 5:00 p.m. CT today (Aug. 15).
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a subscriber here.
Click here to view the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Now in its 37th year, the MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest running music industry trade publication honors and celebrate the achievements of songwriters, artists, producers and more.
The final nominees revealed in this announcement are determined by a committee. For the categories of Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer, outside nominations are also considered. For the Male and Female Songwriter of the Year categories, nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart.
New this year are the Studio of the Year and Publishing Company of the Year categories.
All nominations are based on projects that were active between the period of June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Continuing MusicRow’s tradition of recognizing talent behind the scenes, the Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards will be presented in conjunction with the MusicRow Awards. These honors salute Nashville’s most in-demand studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.
Priscilla Block Launches Vulnerable New Chapter On ‘Things You Didn’t See’
/by Lorie HollabaughPriscilla Block flips the script and shows fans there’s a lot more behind the glittery surface on her upcoming sophomore album Things You Didn’t See, due Oct. 10 via MCA.
She gives fans a glimpse of the honest new project with the release of “Couldn’t Care Less,” a soul-bearing letter to the music industry offering a stark look at the unseen emotional weight behind Block’s carefree, charismatic armor.
“For what has felt like forever, here we are stepping into a new chapter,” says Block. “The past couple of years have been a rollercoaster. This life has challenged me not only as an artist, but as a person. Honestly, there’s been a part of me that has felt misunderstood. The girl who “couldn’t care less,” when in reality, I’ve never cared more. Writing ‘Couldn’t Care Less’ was the therapy I didn’t even know I needed. For a long time, people have seen me as bulletproof, but this is a side they haven’t seen. It’s the misunderstood part of me… the insecurities that come with being human. It feels like the perfect way to lead into my record Things You Didn’t See, coming October 10.”
Things You Didn’t See offers fans an unfiltered view of what Block has experienced behind the scenes – anxiety, burnout and the cost of always being “on.” On the 14-track record, she gets candid about her struggles with body image and online haters, the mental health battles faced by artists in a world that always wants more, an internal wrestle with artistic identity, the pressures to fit country music’s “mold” and more. Writers contributing to the album include David Garcia, Laura Veltz, Trannie Anderson, Jessie Jo Dillon and others.
Block is set to tour with Cole Swindell on his “Happy Hour Sad Tour,” starting Sept. 4 at Huntington Center in Toledo, and will announce additional dates soon.
Things You Didn’t See Track List:
1. “Things You Didn’t See” – Priscilla Block, Brandon Paddock, Martin Johnson
2. “Bring Me Downtown” – Priscilla Block, Cole Taylor, David Garcia, Laura Veltz
3. “Stranger Things (with Chase Matthew)” – Priscilla Block, Trannie Anderson, Cole Taylor, David Garcia
4. “Goodwill To Gucci” – Priscilla Block, Audra Mae, Summer Overstreet, Jesse Frasure
5. “Phones And Radios” – Priscilla Block, David Garcia, Trannie Anderson, Blake Pendergrass
6. “Couldn’t Care Less” – Alex Maxwell, Cole Taylor, Trannie Anderson, Priscilla Block
7. “2-3-4” – Priscilla Block, Alex Maxwell, Sarah Jones
8. “Try” – Priscilla Block, Tyler Hubbard, Trannie Anderson, David Garcia
9. “Good On You” – David Garcia, Jessie Jo Dillon, Laura Veltz, Priscilla Block
10. “Yard Sale” – Priscilla Block, Laura Veltz, David Garcia, Jessie Jo Dillion
11. “You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecilia)” – Chris Tompkins, Jesse Frasure, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hailey Whitters, Paul Simon
12. “He’s My Man” – Alysa Vanderheym, Faren Rachels, Chris Tompkins, Jacob Hackworth
13. “Elijah” – Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Rian Ball
14. “Time Ain’t A Two Lane (Demo)” – Rian Ball, Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Aaron Raitiere
Scotty McCreery And Hootie & The Blowfish Return To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeScotty McCreery returns to the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week alongside Hootie & The Blowfish with their song, “Bottle Rockets.”
The track was released as the lead single from McCreery’s recent EP Scooter & Friends, and was written by McCreery, Brent Anderson, Bobby Hamrick, Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Derek George, Frank Rogers, Jeremy Bussey, Jim Sonefeid, Mark Bryan and Monty Criswell.
McCreery was recently featured on the cover of the Summer 2025 issue of Cigars & Spirits, which includes an interview and photo gallery with the cover shot done by his longtime video director and photographer, Jeff Ray. His appearance places him alongside past stars such as Matthew McConaughey, Jeremy Renner, Mike Tyson and Francis Ford Coppola.
“Bottle Rockets” currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Keith Urban Kicks Off International Dates On ‘High And Alive World Tour’
/by Lauryn SinkKeith Urban. Photo: Guitar Monkey Touring
Keith Urban has kicked off the international dates of his “High And Alive World Tour” with the launch of the tour’s second leg in Newcastle, Australia at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
Chase Matthew and DJ Old Nawty will join Urban for the nine remaining Australian arena shows, including two performances in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as three in Brisbane. On Sept. 10 Urban will head to Canada for seven shows.
“I grew up there, playing in all the pubs and clubs, so it definitely brings a different kind of energy,” says Urban of touring in his home country. “For me, playing live is all about the moment. I strive to get my audiences loose and relaxed for two hours – no matter where they are.”
After Australia and Canada, Urban will return to U.S. arenas for the tour’s final leg.
“High And Alive World Tour” International Dates:
August 15th – Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
August 16th – Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
August 17th – Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
August 20th – Wollongong, WiN Entertainment Centre
August 22nd – Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena
August 23rd – Sydney, Qudos Bank Arena
August 25th – Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
August 26th – Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena
August 28th – Adelaide, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
September 10th – Vancouver, BC, Rogers Arena
September 12th – Calgary, AB, Scotiabank Saddledome
September 13th – Regina, SK Brandt Centre
September 15th – Saskatoon, SK, SaskTel Centre
September 16th – Winnipeg, MB, Canada Life Centre
September 19th – Montreal, QC, Bell Centre
September 20th – Ottawa, ON, Canadian Tire Centre
Atlus Inks With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, bottom row): BBR Music Group/BMG’s VP, Legal & Business Affairs Quinn Bauducco, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s VP, A&R Camille Kenny & EVP, Recorded Music JoJamie Hahr, BMG North America’s SVP, A&R Katie Kerkhover, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s General Manager Peter Strickland, Wardog Management’s Matt Wallace and Range Media Partners’ Chandler Rosen. (L-R, top row): BMG America’s President, Frontline Recordings Jon Loba, Atlus and Range Media Partners’ Shawn McSpadden
Atlus has inked with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
As an independent artist, Atlus amassed a Platinum single, four independent studio albums, a fan base that has grown into the millions across social platforms and over a billion on-demand streams.
“Music has always been personal to me. Everything I write either helps me work through something or tells a real story from my life,” states Atlus. “The industry default is ‘It’s not personal, it’s just business.’ But that’s never been true for me, and from day one [Jon] Loba, JoJamie [Hahr] and everyone at BMG have shown it’s never been true for them either. It’s clear we are truly on the same page. It IS personal and that is the way we do business.”
“Every time we introduce Atlus to someone new, there is an instant and passionate connection,” says Loba, BMG America’s President, Frontline Recordings. “He is a true poet, who powerfully and intimately chronicles the very real struggles and tragedies of life in a way that still leaves hope for a better day. While his journey and sound are specific, we have found that, even inside the label, he connects across age, gender and musical taste in an incredibly universal way. We could not be more excited to partner with him and his team in championing his music across the globe!”
His first single on the label, “Devil Ain’t Done” is out today (Aug. 15). The track, which he wrote alongside David Garcia (who also co-produced the release with Andrew Baylis) and Geoff Warburton, reflects themes of self-doubt & perseverance.
“I believe that everyone runs into the devil at some point in their life, and sometimes it’s the devil in your mind and sometimes it’s the devil in your hometown. And where I grew up, he drove a nice car, had fast cash in his pockets, pills in the glove box, and he lived in the trailer next door. I spent most of my life avoiding that devil,” explains Atlus. “Life is much better now, but the devil can find his way into any room. I just remind myself to keep being a good person and not give into the temptation.”
Ash Ruder Inks With Riser House
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Brandon Perdue (Riser House), Molly Sheehan (Counsel, Ash Ruder), Megan Schultz (Riser House), Lauren Spahn (Counsel, Riser House) and Allison Pilotti (Riser House). (L-R, front row): Kirby Mathews (Riser House), Ash Ruder and Jennifer Johnson (Riser House).
Ash Ruder has signed with Riser House Entertainment. In celebration of the announcement, Ruder has released her viral single, “Blue Genes,” today (Aug. 15).
“I’m beyond grateful to join Riser House, a team bold enough to help bring my slightly crazy, totally unapologetic vision of music—and the world it lives in—to life,” says Ruder. “From the very first meeting, I felt the energy, talent and genuine belief in my ideas. Together, I know we will create music that’s unforgettable, boundary-pushing, and unmistakably ours.”
A Turlock, California native, Ruder moved to Nashville shortly after her time on season 19 of American Idol. She has been named a “Next Up” artist by CMT, and has amassed over 17 million views in less than 2 weeks after posting a snippet of “Blue Genes.” Her new EP Miss California is slated for release later this year.
“We’ve been closely watching Ash’s development for nearly 4 years, and have seen her writing and artistry really take shape over that time,” shares Brandon Perdue, SVP of A&R + Publishing .”We’ve seen her grow from an already great singer to a truly well-rounded artist who is simultaneously finding success in writing for other artists. We’re so excited for this next batch of songs, but also for what’s coming after that, as she’s already out-writing what we have on tap.”
“I’ve always known Ash was incredibly talented, but experiencing her writing and artistry up close has far exceeded my expectations,” adds Kirby Mathews, Sr. Dir. of A&R + Publishing at Riser House. “I’m so proud to officially welcome her into the Riser House family. In my opinion, what she’s creating is truly next-level, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of her journey!”
Rob Hatch Talks Launching The First Las Vegas Songwriters Festival
/by LB CantrellRob Hatch.
Next week, Las Vegas will host 50 award-winning hitmakers during the launch of the first Las Vegas Songwriters Festival. Presented by MGM Resorts International and Entersong Entertainment, the event will take over Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Aug. 21 – 24, offering fans more than 100 performances across five stages from writers whose work has defined the soundtracks of countless lives.
Co-founded by hitmaker Rob Hatch and Entersong partner Mike Every, in collaboration with MGM Resorts, the festival will blend intimate performances, storytelling and unique collaborations. Names like Bob DiPiero, Dean Dillon, Liz Rose, Victoria Shaw, Billy Montana, Lee Brice and Justin Wilson are among the lineup, representing more than 300 No. 1 hits. The weekend will also feature Q&A sessions hosted by Storme Warren, giving fans the rare opportunity to hear the inspiration behind their favorite songs directly from the writers themselves.
Hatch, a SESAC Songwriter of the Year with cuts by Justin Moore, Randy Houser and more, envisioned the festival as a platform to showcase the world’s most successful songwriters in one place—with Las Vegas providing a fitting backdrop. In the conversation below, he shares how the idea came together, why The Bluebird Café’s “in-the-round” format was essential, and what it means to put songwriters at the center of the spotlight.
MusicRow: What was your original vision for the Las Vegas Songwriters Festival, and how did it grow into this massive first-year lineup?
Our original vision was to create the ultimate celebration of songwriting by bringing together the most talented writers, the biggest hitmakers, the best singers, the best players and the best entertainers, all in one of the best venues in the world. It’s grown into this tremendous lineup thanks to the dedication and hard work of our incredible team, including: Chuck Bowling (Former President and COO of Mandalay Bay), Paul Davis (Senior Vice President – Booking & Development, MGM), Mike Every (Director, Entersong), Laura Ishum (Vice President, MGM), Donna Lee (General Manager, Entersong) and Rachel Dean (Account Manager, Entersong). It took a lot of effort to make this first-year lineup a reality, and we couldn’t be more excited to take the festival to the next level.
With five stages and more than 100 performances, how did you approach curating the mix of iconic names, unique pairings, and up-close fan moments?
I’ve had the unique perspective of writing songs with so many of these folks for the past 25 years. I know their songs, I know how they perform, I know who’s friends with who, and I know who plays well together—so a lot of it came down to that inside knowledge.
And then we’ve got Matt Warren, a hit songwriter himself, hosting the festival. We wanted to have someone who knows this world inside and out to bring the kind of perspective only a fellow writer can.
We also knew we wanted the festival to be for people who love great songs and want to hear the stories behind them from the writers who created them. We thought what better way to let fans learn more about some of these hits and the people who wrote them than having some Q&A sessions, and who better to moderate than Storme Warren, a friend and advocate of songwriters everywhere.
Why was it important to involve The Bluebird Café and the “in-the-round” format in this Vegas setting?
The Bluebird is the most legendary songwriter venue—you can’t celebrate songwriters on this level without including them. If people know anything about songwriters, chances are it’s because of the Bluebird. We’re proud to have them as a partner, and bringing their iconic “in-the-round” format makes it feel like we’re really bringing the Nashville experience to Vegas.
As both a hit songwriter and festival founder, what does it mean to create this kind of platform for songwriters in the spotlight?
It feels like something that should have existed already—I’m really just taking the next step. I’ve been to plenty of songwriter festivals, and they have some really strong and up-and-coming writers, I wanted to create something different: a platform that puts the biggest hit writers in the world in one place together. Writers with the most hits, the best stories, and the kinds of songs people know and can sing along to all night long.