DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brothers Osborne ‘RAWK’ Disc Of The Day

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Brothers Osborne. Photo: Natalie Osborne

DISClaimer is rocking this week.

Putting on their dancing shoes are Ashland Craft, Don Louis, Ernest with Snoop Dogg, The Bellamy Brothers with The Isaacs and DISCovery Award winner Preston Cooper.

Best of all is the rocker by Brothers Osborne, which rolls along with the Disc of the Day award.

LUKAS NELSON / “Ain’t Done”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Lukas Nelson; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: 6 Ace Records/Sony Music Nashville
– This has a very cool, rootsy sound, a blend of shambling percussion, sawing fiddle, acoustic piano and steel guitar. Nelson sings strongly, driving the quasi-spiritual message of perseverance, faith and enduring wonder. This artist grows more powerful with each release.

JON PARDI / “She Drives Away”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Jordan Minton/Seth Ennis/Zach Abend; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Dad watches his daughter go off on a date and get married, thinking back to when he brought her home as a newborn. Gently touching.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Lie a Little”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Kelly Archer/Mark Irwin; Producers: Ashland Craft, Lee Starr, Jess Grommet; Label: Leo33
– Slinky, bluesy, gritty and sassy, this twang fest rolls with a steady groove. She has a soulful nonchalance that seethes with charisma. I bet she’s a blast in performance.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Finish This Drink”
Writers: Alysa Vanderheym/TJ Osborne; Producers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne; Label: EMI Music Nashville
– This RAWKS. Lightning-bolt lead guitar and flamethrower fiddle electrify the instrumental passages. TJ’s tongue-in-cheek drawl spits a potent, rollicking, frothing tune of a wayward honky tonker while John’s audio stew heats up to boiling.

SCOOT TEASLEY / “Dirt Road Dropout”
Writers: Brett Truitt/Kelly Archer/Scoot Teasley; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: Amigo Records
– This newcomer is one of my favorites among the 2024 group of Black country stylists. Teasley’s youthful sound is hale and hearty on this upbeat ode to his rural roots. Well worth your spins.

DYLAN SCOTT / “I Hate Whiskey”
Writers: Geoff Warburton/Jaxson Free/Jon Kraft/Michael Ray/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Jacob Durrett; Label: Curb Records
– The reason he hates hard liquor is that it burns, but it doesn’t burn away her memory. A clever twist on a honky-tonk trope, delivered by a solid country hit maker. I also like the soft, spoken-word interjections in the percussive production. Scott always delivers the goods.

DON LOUIS / “She Ain’t Crazy Yet”
Writers: Autumn Buysse/Danielle Blakey/Don Louis; Producer: Kipp Williams; Label: Empire
– A steady, thumping percussion track underscores a splendid vocal performance that shifts between baritone growls and yearning tenor hooks. Louis has been batting a thousand with every release, and this lively tempo tune sounds like a star maker.

DAN SEALS / “Steal a Little Thunder”
Writers: Brian Whitcomb/James Seals; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Melody Place
– The late Dan Seals left behind some unissued music when he passed away from lymphoma in 2009. The creator of more than a dozen major country hits began his career as “yacht rock” performer England Dan. This tune recalls that pop heritage, which is not surprising since it was co-written by his late brother Jim of the pop duo Seals & Crofts. I’m a fan, no matter what style he’s performing.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “American Boy”
Writers: Alex Kline/Joybeth Taylor/Karley Scott Collins; Producers: Karley Scott Collins, Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Sultry and sensuous. Collins has such a gripping voice that she doesn’t know how to deliver anything less than a masterful performance. Here’s she’s simmering with desire as she contemplates her bad-boy crush. Everything she has released has been terrific. What does this woman have to do to get your attention?

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS & THE ISAACS / “Normal Ain’t Comin’ Back”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producers: Randy Hiebert, The Bellamy Brothers; Label: Bellamy Brothers Records
– It’s a honky-tonk toe tapper with a jaunty tune and a witty lyric that tackles politics, the pandemic, the economy and more. “Normal ain’t coming back, but Jesus is,” they all sing in a waving prairie of vocal harmony. The Bellamys reality TV series Honky Tonk Ranch is now airing on the American Country Network (on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings). Their Old Hippie Stash brand of medical marijuana includes the blends Reggae Cowboy, Big Love, Afterglow, Rattler, Blue Rodeo and Bird Dog.

TIM O’BRIEN & JAN FABRICUS / “Lonesome Armadillo”
Writers: Jan Fabricius/Tim O’Brien/Tom Paxton; Producer: Tim O’Brien; Label: Howdy Skies Music
– Tim’s yodeled lead vocal is the focus of this folkie, acoustic bopper. The armadillo tries to make it in Music City, but strikes out because he hates hot chicken, can’t buy records at Ernest Tubb’s, doesn’t own a Manuel jacket and rejects the winter climate. The song, as well as most of the duo’s Paper Flowers album, is cowritten with folk legend Tom Paxton, who is now 87. Two-time Grammy winner and West Virginia Music Hall of Fame member O’Brien is also the subject of the recent biographical book, Traveler. He plays the Station Inn next Wednesday (April 16).

ERNEST & SNOOP DOGG / “Gettin’ Gone”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr./Ernest Keith Smith/Mark Holman/Rhett Akins; Producer: Jacob Durrett; Label: DeVille Records/Big Loud Records
– Rockabilly meets hip-hop in this merry, rollicking invitation to get stoned.

PRESTON COOPER / “One for the Road”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Preston Cooper; Producer: Brett Warren; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Dirty rock guitar work, pile-driving rhythm and a fiery, snarling lead vocal characterize this barn burner. Cooper’s debut album, Toledo Talkin, drops next month.

U.S. Congress Reintroduces ‘NO FAKES Act’ Bill

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Photo: Dan Swartz

 

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), as well as US Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-1) and Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large) have reintroduced the NO FAKES Act.

Randy Travis, his wife Mary Travis and Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl traveled to Washington D.C. to promote a consensus bill that supports IP and AI, and also backs the NO FAKES Act mission.

Building on last year’s legislation and cross-sector collaboration, the revised NO FAKES Act uses a balanced strategy to shield Americans from harmful AI deepfakes while minimizing legal disputes and fostering innovation in AI. The Act has earned support from both the creative and tech sectors, including major players like OpenAI, Google, Amazon and IBM. The RIAA, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and more have also shown support for the bill. The NO FAKES Act will empower U.S. AI companies to compete globally, while also protecting American people.

The NO FAKES Act will give every American the right to protect their voice and likeness from invasive AI deepfakes and voice clones, reduce litigation by allowing UGC platforms to avoid liability by promptly removing unauthorized deepfakes and expressly protect First Amendment uses such as for news reporting and satire.

“This bill proves that we can prioritize the growth of AI and protecting American creativity at the same time,” shares Mitch Glazier, RIAA Chairman & CEO. “We applaud Senators Blackburn, Coons, Tillis and Klobuchar; Representatives Salazar, Dean, Moran, Balint and bipartisan colleagues for their incredible leadership on driving this legislation that provides balanced and effective protections for all individuals against exploitative uses of their voice and likeness while supporting free speech, reducing litigation and achieving the promise of AI technology.”

“I applaud Senators Blackburn and Coons and Representatives Salazar and Dean for their leadership in introducing the NO FAKES Act,” adds Kynci. “This bill reflects what can happen when tech and creative industries come together – foster cutting edge innovation while protecting human identity and artistry. We look forward to working with key members of the US Senate and House to help pass the NO FAKES Act this year.”

‘Austin City Limits’ Caps 50th Anniversary Celebrations With Special Episode Honoring Garth Brooks

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Garth Brooks. Photo: 8 Ten, Inc.

Austin City Limits is capping off its 50th Anniversary celebrations with a special episode, Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Honors Garth Brooks that will premiere May 3 at 7 p.m. CST on PBS.

The revered music institution first premiered on PBS in 1975 and commemorates its legacy as the longest-running music series in television history, offering audiences a front-row experience of live performances for the past fifty years. Brooks brings his stadium-size show to the ACL stage to celebrate the landmark occasion, offering up fan-favorites and the stories behind his hits in a singalong hour. Recorded live at ACL’s studio home ACL Live in Austin, Texas, the special will be available to stream online at pbs.org/austincitylimits.

The special opens with highlights showcasing Brooks’ ACL performances over the decades, alongside commentary from Brooks, his wife, Trisha Yearwood, and longtime ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. Brooks made his series debut in 1990 and returned a decade later to both open and close ACL’s milestone Season 25 with two hour-long episodes. He returned to ACL in 2021 for a pair of intimate, non-broadcast events to close Studio 6A on the University of Texas campus, the fabled soundstage where the program first started recording in 1974. Brooks carved his name into ACL’s history with the final performances in the historic studio that was the show’s home from 1974 to 2010, before a move to downtown Austin. He performed the special benefit shows solo acoustic to a sold-out audience of 200 fans per night.

“You can’t tell the story of Austin City Limits without Garth Brooks,” says Lickona. “Garth gets it. He gets what makes Austin City Limits special, and why it’s an honor for an artist to step onto that stage and deliver the best performance of their life. And it’s an honor for us to share that stage with artists like Garth, who have so much to offer.”

“Always try to associate your name with a name greater than your own,” shares Brooks. “Being associated with ACL has been one of the greatest assets of my career.  I can’t thank Terry and the gang enough for all the years and all the love.”

Hit Country Songwriter Larry Bastian Passes

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Larry Bastian

Longtime Major Bob Publishing songwriter Larry Bastian died on Sunday (April 6) at age 90.

Bastian co-wrote such Garth Brooks hits as “Unanswered Prayers,” “Rodeo” and “The Old Man’s Back in Town” in 1991-92. The superstar recorded many other Bastian songs, as did a who’s-who of country music.

Larry Bastian was born and raised in California’s agricultural San Joaquin Valley, and he lived throughout his life in the Springville/Porterville area. He was from a farming family. Following high school, he spent his early years farming and cowboying. Bastian then worked for 15 years as a biologist for the Department of Agriculture for Kern and Tulare Counties.

But he always made music. Touring country artists who heard his songs, encouraged him to send his music to Nashville. In the 1970s, Larry Bastian decided to devote himself to songwriting.

His first notable success was when his “This Ain’t Tennessee and He Ain’t You” was recorded by Janie Fricke in 1980. Although never a hit, it became the songwriter’s most recorded song, with a version by Tom Jones, among several other notables. In 1981, Sammi Smith’s recording of “Sometimes I Cry When I’m Alone” became the songwriter’s first top-40 hit. Shortly afterward, David Frizzell & Merle Haggard recorded “Lefty,” Bastian’s tribute to Lefty Frizzell, who was David’s brother and Merle’s idol.

Bastian songs also charted for Ray Price, Wyley McPherson and The Kendalls in the 1980s. In 1988, Conway Twitty had a top-10 smash with “Saturday Night Special.” Garth Brooks began his run of Bastian-penned successes in 1991. Sammy Kershaw had a top-20 hit with “Yard Sale” in 1992 and repeated the feat with “If You’re Gonna Walk, I’m Gonna Crawl” in 1997. Bastian’s last notable chart success was in 2004 with Craig Morgan’s version of “Look at Us.”

During his songwriting career, Larry Bastian’s works were also recorded by George Jones, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Vern Gosdin, Eddy Arnold, Buck Owens, Tammy Wynette, Tracy Byrd, Lacy J. Dalton, Moe Bandy, Rhett Akins, The Whites, Neal McCoy, Con Hunley and many others.

His songs also found a home in bluegrass music.

Larry Bastian passed away in Porterville, California. No funeral arrangements have been announced.

Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival 2025 Lineup Announced

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Darius Rucker. Photo: Todd Owyoung

Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival has released its 2025 lineup. The two-day festival is set for Oct. 10-11 at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park.

Rucker and Riley Green will headline the festival with performances by Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers, The Red Clay Strays, Whiskey Myers, Flatland Cavalry, Lukas Nelson, Dylan Marlowe, Kashus Culpepper, Brittney Spencer, Clay Street Unit, Neon Union, Austin Williams, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Warrick McZeke, Faith Schueler, Whiskey Run and Elizabeth Covington.

“My love for Charleston has influenced so much of my career,” says Rucker. “Riverfront Revival, which made my longtime dream of bringing a music festival to this community a reality, is a celebration of the Lowcountry that gets better every year.”

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Arts in Healing program at the Medical University of South Carolina and Just Be You, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering teens with confidence, self-love and self-compassion.

General admission tickets and VIP passes will go on sale to the public on Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. ET via RiverfrontRevival.com.

Megan Wise Named Vice President Of New Business At Anotherland Agency

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Megan Wise. Photo: David Bradley

Megan Wise has been appointed Vice President of New Business at Anotherland Agency, a startup with a unique music label and full-service marketing agency model that helps brands of all sizes with high-performing activations and building digital audiences.

With more than 15 years of experience Wise joins Anotherland after leading Partnerships at the Country Music Association. Prior to that, she launched her career at Creative Artists Agency where she got her start in the mail room and worked her way up to agent, eventually managing major sponsorships across entertainment. In her new role, Wise will handle Anotherland’s expansion into brand collaborations, overseeing the agency’s sales and partnership initiatives.

“Simply put, Megan is a powerhouse. She’s got the instincts, the relationships, and the tenacity to take Anotherland to another level,” says CEO David Bagheri. “Her track record says everything, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the team.”

“The way Anotherland approaches brand collaborations, it’s refreshing, and I’m all in,” says Wise. “From my early years at CAA to shaping partnerships at CMA, I’ve always believed and prioritized helping over just transacting. You always win in the end that way. The opportunities ahead for Anotherland—and our partners—are endless, and I can’t wait to get moving.”

Wise can be reached at megan@anotherland.com.

Dylan Gossett Heads West On ‘The American Trail Tour’ In July

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Dylan Gossett is hitting the road this summer on “The American Trail Tour,” beginning July 9 in Wichita, Kansas.

The Midwestern/Western trek will make stops in Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana through July 19. Gossett will also be performing at various festivals throughout the summer including Windy City Smokeout, Under The Big Sky and Stagecoach, making his debut at the latter on April 26. Tickets for “The American Trail Tour” go on sale to the public April 11.

The Platinum-selling artist is currently on his “The Back 40 Tour” across the U.S. and Canada and recently dropped his first release of 2025 “Like I Do,” with more to come later this year. Gossett has emerged as one of the bright new stars in country music, and in less than two years, has notched over 800 million streams.

The 26-year old’s breakout single “Coal” went Platinum in the U.S., in addition to going Silver in the U.K., Platinum in Australia, double Platinum in Canada, and double Platinum in Ireland. The song marked his first entry on the Spotify U.S. Top 200 Chart, Billboard Hot 100 Chart and U.K. Official Singles Chart Top 100. The track also broke into the Top 25 of the Billboard Country Digital Songs Chart and Top 5 of the Spotify Viral 50 U.S. and Global Charts.

Jake Brown To Release ‘Songs Of Nashville: The Real Stories Behind Country Music’s Greatest Hits’

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Author and music biographer Jake Brown is releasing a new book, Songs Of Nashville: The Real Stories Behind Country Music’s Greatest Hits, June 24 from Diversion Books/Simon & Schuster.

Created in honor of and dedicated to Nashville’s unsung heroes, the songwriters who have penned No. 1s for country artists, the 300-page hard copy highlights intimate, candid, first-hand conversations about the creation of some of the genre’s hits. Marking his 60th publication, Brown offers an in-depth exploration of the ideas that shaped iconic songs and the creative process behind some of the most beloved recordings in both classic and contemporary country music over the past 50 years.

The book features more than 45 songwriters and exclusive interviews and personal perspectives with Jelly Roll, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Drew Parker, Josh Thompson, Clint Black, Vince Gill, Hillary Lindsay, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally and many more.

“This is a love letter to Nashville’s unsung heroes,” says Brown. “It’s a celebration of, and my dedication to, the brilliant minds behind generations of country hit songs and the songwriters who created them.

“At the heart of any songwriter’s dream is to have their music heard,” he continues. “And Songs Of Nashville recognizes and explores how each one wrote and played their way to making their dreams come true.”

Industry Ink: Tigirlily Gold, Jennie Smythe, Jessica Rouse, More

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Tigirlily Gold Visits With Sony Music Nashville Promotion Team

Pictured (L-R, back row): SMN’s Dan Nelson, Nicole Walden, Mallory Michaels, Dennis Reese, Round House Entertainment’s Greg McCarn, SMN’s Ali O’Connell and Round House’s Dan Anderson; (L-R, front row): SMN’s Jansen Morgan, Tigirlily Gold’s Kendra Olsen, Tigirlily’s Krista Slaubaugh and SMN’s Larry Santiago

Tigirlily Gold recently stopped by Sony to hang with their new Sony Music Nashville promo squad following their addition to the roster.

 

Jennie Smythe Shares ‘Becoming Girlilla’ With Belmont Students

Belmont University students with Jennie Smythe (Founder & CEO, Girlilla Marketing) and Brittany Schaffer (Dean, Belmont’s Curb College)

Girlilla Marketing Founder & CEO Jennie Smythe recently joined Belmont University Dean of the Curb College of Music Business and Entertainment Brittany Schaffer to speak to an invite-only group of female students. During the conversation, Jennie shared her journey as a digital marketing trailblazer and stories from her upcoming memoir, Becoming Girlilla.

 

Jessica Rouse Named Head Of Events & Strategic Partnerships At Southern String Hat Co.

Jessica Rouse. Photo: David Bradley

Jessica Rouse has joined Southern String Hat Co. as its new Head of Events and Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Rouse will spearhead the company’s event strategy, activations, and collaborations, as well as build strategic partnerships to expand the brand’s reach and influence. Rouse brings over a decade of experience from Warner Music Nashville, where she most recently led artist and corporate event initiatives, following a career that began in radio in 2010 at WQDR in Raleigh, North Carolina.

 

Gord Bamford Signs With Just For You Music

Gord Bamford

Canadian country artist and songwriter Gord Bamford is the first signing to Just For You Music, the newly-launched independent music publishing company founded by Chris Giansante. Bamford, a 26-time CCMA Award winner and two-time CMA Global Country Artist Award recipient, has built a solid legacy as a hit songwriter and performer, with over 100 million radio streams, 28 top 10 singles, and multiple Platinum and Gold-certified albums.

“Gord has been one of Canada’s most beloved and influential country artists over the last 25 years,” says Giansante. “His success as an artist and songwriter is only superseded by what he’s given back to the community around him. I’m looking forward to working with Gord on the next chapter of an already storied career. The best is yet to come.”

 

Cooper Ramsey Visits With Music Health Alliance

Pictured (L-R): Tatum Hauck Allsep, Shelia Shipley Biddy, Nikki Black, Suzanne Berg, Dr. Zacquia McKinley, Erin Lancaster, Sophie Badgett, Britton Barnette, Leah May and Cooper Ramsey

16-year-old rising star Cooper Ramsey took time for a break in between Whiskey Jam and performing at Bridgestone arena in Nashville this week to visit with new friends at the Music Health Alliance.

AIMP Honors Independent Songwriters & Publishers At 2025 Awards

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Publishing Assistant Emily Peterson, President Mike Molinar, Sr. Vice President Alex Heddle and Sr. Consultant Hannah Babitt; (L-R, back row row): Vice President Tim Hunze, Vice President Grayson Stephens, Sr. Director Timmy Haehl, BMLG Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta, Sr. Manager Preston Berger and Sr. Director Michelle Attardi. Photo: Diana King

The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) hosted its 2025 AIMP Nashville Country Awards on Tuesday evening (April 8) at Marathon Music Works. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the event spotlighted the independent songwriters and publishers who help make Nashville Music City.

After a lively social hour—complete with drinks and a taco truck—songwriters, publishers and other industry members filled the venue’s event hall. Following brief remarks from sponsor Humanable, the music officially began.

Jordan Davis accepts his award for Artist-Writer of the Year.

As is tradition at the AIMP Awards, the evening featured intimate and distinctive performances from past and present Rising Artist-Writer of the Year and Artist-Writer of the Year nominees and winners. In honor of the event’s milestone year, each performance paid tribute to a song that had previously won Song of the Year.

Hardy opened the set with the award-winning “Girl Crush,” followed by Jordan Davis performing “Blue Ain’t Your Color.”

Storme Warren then took the stage to begin his hosting duties and present the night’s first award: Rising Songwriter of the Year. The honor went to Jon Decious, independently published by OneRiot Music and Reservoir Media. In his heartfelt speech, he thanked Jesus, his mom, “what the hell Dale,” Mandelyn Monchick, his publishers and “every artist that has let [him] bug them for an afternoon.”

With community spirit running high, Hailey Whitters stepped up to perform Song of the Year winner “Drinkin’ Problem.”

Next, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year was awarded to breakout country artist Zach Top (published by Major Bob Music). Though he couldn’t attend, he shared his gratitude in a video message.

AIMP Nashville Chapter President John Ozier then addressed the crowd, speaking about the tremendous loss the industry has faced with the passing of Warner Chappell President & CEO Ben Vaughn. A moving tribute video followed, featuring emotional words from Scott Hendricks, Tim Hunze, Jody Williams, Ross Copperman, Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett, Mike Molinar, Abbey Adams, Shawn McSpadden and Jessi Alexander. In Vaughn’s honor, AIMP made a donation to Music Health Alliance.

Chase McDaniel and Vincent Mason accepting their Publisher Pick of the Year Award. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Carly Pearce took the stage next to perform “Rainbow,” offering a moment of comfort and reflection for the Nashville publishing community as they remembered Vaughn.

Song Champion of the Year was then presented to Concord’s Courtney Allen. The room gave her a standing ovation as she took the stage in tears, sharing that she had been going through a difficult week.

“So many people here have showed up for me,” she said. She thanked her champions and the songwriters and artists who trust her with their work.

Lee Brice followed with a performance of “The Bones,” and Jackson Dean performed his hit “One of Them Girls.”

The Publisher Pick of the Year award went to “Hell Is A Dance Floor,” written by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel and independently published by Hang Your Hat Music and Concord Music Publishing. The duo took the stage, with McDaniel expressing gratitude to his support system.

AIMP Nashville

“It was always my dream to be a songwriter,” Mason added. “To win an award picked by publishers means the world to me.” Mae Estes then performed the track.

Jordan Davis was later named Artist-Writer of the Year (published by Anthem Entertainment). He shared that “this room is the only thing [he’s] known since moving to Nashville,” and shouted out some of the writers of his current single, who were in attendance.

Old Dominion delivered “Sand In My Boots” before the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award was presented to Jessie Jo Dillon (Big Machine Music), sparking a round of enthusiastic applause.

“Everyone in this room is incredible,” Dillon said. “I love country music—let’s protect it.”

Ashley McBryde then performed “You Should Probably Leave,” followed by Hannah Ellis and Nick Wayne with their rendition of “Next Thing You Know.”

Independent Publishing Company of the Year was awarded to Big Machine Music. The team took the stage with a cardboard cutout of Alex Heddle, who was away on his honeymoon.

“A lot has been said about community,” said BMM’s Mike Molinar. “We couldn’t do this without you publishers and songwriters.”

The final award of the night, Song of the Year, went to “The Painter,” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins and published by Big Machine Music and Nashblonde Music. Davis and Larkins accepted the honor, thanking their teams, families and Cody Johnson for recording the track.