Ty Myers. Photo: Emily Vinson
What do Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bill Withers, Chris Stapleton, John Mayer and Ernest Hemingway all have in common? They’ve all left a mark on Ty Myers, a 17-year-old country breakout artist releasing his much-anticipated debut album, The Select, tomorrow (Jan. 24) via RECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records.
Myers made waves in 2023 with his debut single, “Tie That Binds,” followed by the breakout success of “Drinkin’ Alone,” which racked up over 64 million streams. His momentum continued with “Ends of the Earth,” earning him a debut on the Billboard Hot 100. With a staggering 230+ million total global streams to date, it’s clear the appetite for Myers’ sound is undeniable.
The music that flows from Myers feels effortless and deeply rooted in authenticity. Raised on his family’s cattle ranch in Austin, Texas, Myers grew up surrounded by it thanks to his singer-songwriter father, Michael. The ranch, dance halls and stacks of records were his playground, sparking a lifelong passion.
One conversation with him and you will see that, though he hasn’t even reached legal adulthood, he’s an old soul.
“I get that a lot,” Myers says of the comment. “I grew up around music. My dad was a musician, and I’d follow him to places I probably shouldn’t have been at that age—dance halls and bar rooms. I was always locked in on the music. That spark started early and never left.”
Myers started writing The Select years ago, before he knew he was working on his debut album. Of the 16 tracks included on the LP, Myers wrote 12 of them alone.
“Thought It Was Love,” one of the album’s earliest tracks, showcases Myers’ lyrical depth, capturing the darkness of love lost with the finesse of a seasoned songwriter. The track was written on a $100 Squier Stratocaster Myers bought from a storage unit sale.
Another lyrical triumph is his solo-write “Worry Is A Sickness,” which, in contrast to the years-old “Thought It Was Love,” Myers wrote the day before going into the studio.
“I love that one,” he says. “I wrote it the day before recording. I wasn’t feeling confident about another song and decided to write something new. It came together quickly, and I knew it was special.”
Signed to UMPG Nashville, Myers isn’t afraid of a co-write. Included on the track list are songwriters Jessi Alexander, Rhett Akins, Anderson East, Trent Dabbs and others.
“Co-writing is fun and teaches you a lot. You become a better songwriter with every session. It’s different from solo writing because solo songs feel entirely yours, straight from the heart to the fans. Co-writing brings in new perspectives and methods, which is helpful, especially when I’m in a slump.”
Vocally, Myers shines on tracks like the euphoric waltz “Ends of the Earth,” the flirty and upbeat “Can’t Hold Me Down” and the languid, soulful “Let ‘Em Talk.” His expressive voice finds new dimensions under the guidance of producer/songwriter Brandon Hood. Recorded at Starstruck Studios in Nashville, the project allowed Myers to tap into the “presence of legends” in the iconic space.
Myers and Hood’s collaboration is perhaps best captured on “Somewhere Over You,” a reimagining of an Allen Shamblin and Mike Reid song that his dad recorded. Myers adds a bold horn section reminiscent of a Withers classic.
“When I told my dad I want to cut ‘Somewhere Over You,’ he didn’t think it was right [for the album]. His version was gospel-sounding, but I was hearing horns and soul thing. I said, ‘Well, I’m doing it, so you can tell me how you feel about it after.’ I recorded it, and now it’s one of his favorite songs on there.”
Another homage to his influences comes in the form of John Mayer’s “Man on the Side.” Myers says, “I’m a huge John Mayer fan—probably his biggest fan. I wanted to nod to the people who influenced me, and Mayer was my number one influence for this album.
“When I started getting into him, I watched his live album Any Given Thursday. The first song that stood out was ‘Man on the Side.’ He played Stevie Ray Vaughan’s ‘Lenny’ before transitioning into it, and it blew me away. It’s so well-written and the only time he’s recorded it, so many people don’t even know it exists. It felt like the right choice to include.”
When looking through the track list, you won’t find a tune called “The Select.” That’s because the album cover is derived from the pages of an Ernest Hemingway novel.
“Hemingway has been a big influence since I was little. My uncle, who’s passed now, loved Hemingway and introduced me to his work. My mom also loved him, so his books were always around. The more I learned about him, the more I felt a connection.
“The album title, The Select, comes from Hemingway’s first novel, The Sun Also Rises. In it, the characters hang out at a bar called Le Select to escape their worries. That’s what I want people to do when they listen to my album.”
Aaron Lewis Launches ‘American As It Gets Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughAaron Lewis. Photo: Jim Wright
Aaron Lewis has kicked off his 2025 “American As It Gets Tour” last Thursday (Jan. 16(, and for the first time in several years, is bringing back his full band, The Stateliners, for the tour.
The tour will include nearly 50 stops including shows in Las Vegas, Fort Worth, Tampa, Atlanta, Birmingham, Atlantic City and more, with a Nashville Ryman Auditorium date scheduled for March 22. The title of the tour is a nod to a song on Lewis’ latest album The Hill, which topped several charts upon its release last spring.
“This week we launch the ‘American As It Gets Tour’ with my band, The Stateliners,” says Lewis. “It’s been five years since we’ve been out together and we look forward to performing these shows.”
Additional dates will be announced in the coming months, and Lewis also continues to perform regularly with Staind as the band’s longtime lead singer.
“American As It Gets Tour” Dates:
Jan. 24 – Lincoln, CA – The Venue at Thunder Valley
Jan. 25 – Reno, NV – Downtown Reno Ballroom
Jan. 26 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
Jan. 29 – Monterey, CA – Golden State Theatre
Jan. 31 – Scottsdale, AZ – Talking Stick Resort
Feb. 1 – Coachella, CA – Spotlight 29 Casino
Feb. 2 – Valley Center, CA – The Events Center at Harrah’s Resort SoCal
Feb. 5 – Fort Worth, TX – Fort Worth Stock & Show Rodeo Auditorium
Feb. 6 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
Feb. 7 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
Feb. 8 – Lake Charles, LA – Grand Event Center
Feb. 11 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Feb. 12 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Feb. 13 – Coconut Creek, FL – The Stage at Coco
Feb. 15 – Immokalee, FL – Seminole Casino Hotel
Feb. 20 – Tulsa, OK – Margaritaville River Spirit Casino
Feb. 21 – Norman, OK – Showplace Theatre
Feb. 22 – El Dorado, AR – First Financial Music Hall
March 6 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
March 7 – Fort Wayne, IN – Embassy Theatre
March 8 – Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theatre
March 13 – Daytona Beach, FL – Peabody Auditorium
March 14 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
March 15 – Greensboro, NC – Piedmont Hall
March 20 – Albany, GA – Albany Civic Center
March 21 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
March 22 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
March 27 – Augusta, GA – The Bell Auditorium
March 28 – Savannah, GA – Savannah Civic Center
March 29 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
April 3 – Lowell, MA – Lowell Memorial Auditorium
April 4 – Rochester, NY – Kodak Center
April 5 – Ledyard, CT – Foxwoods Resort Casino
April 10 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Casino
April 11 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Casino
April 12 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
April 25 – Greenback, TN – Rock The Country Knoxville
May 2 – Poplar Bluff, MO – Rock The Country Poplar
July 18 – Sioux Falls, SD – Rock The Country Sioux
July 25 – Anderson Village, SC – Rock The Country Anderson
Aug. 2 – Riverside, IA – Riverside Casino
Dustin Lynch Has Some ‘Naughty-Cal’ Fun At 10th Annual Crash My Playa Pool Party
/by Lorie HollabaughDustin Lynch
Dustin Lynch hosted a rowdy, nautical-themed 10th Anniversary CMP Pool Party at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa 2025 in Riviera Cancún, Mexico last Friday (Jan. 17).
The party had a “Let’s Get Naughty-Cal” theme that included nautical vibes, plenty of Yacht Rock and college party chaos. Making his grand entrance on jet skis with his band, Lynch rode to the beach in style with a parrot on his shoulder. Firing up a full-blown parade once he hit the sand, Lynch was joined by a mariachi band, samba dancers and fire-blowers on the way to the stage to officially kick off the festivities.
Performing two live sets featuring Yacht Rock covers like “September,” “Rich Girl,” and “Africa,” and his own hits including “Stars Like Confetti,” “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter),” and latest chart-topper “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll),” Lynch also stunned the packed pool with a surprise guest appearance by fellow BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville label mate Jason Aldean for a tequila shot toast.
Dressed as the “captain” of the bash, Lynch brought his famed spinning wheel featuring activities like “Get George Michael’ed” and “Mullet from DL,” alongside awarding prizes for the best-dressed fans in a Naughty-Cal Costume Contest. Offering back-to-back days of unpredictable music and mayhem, Lynch started the party early this year by hosting an Oversized Beer Pong Tournament for the first time the day prior (Jan. 16). CMT host Cody Alan joined Lynch for the first round, and the party will air on CMT Hot 20 Countdown with on-site footage February 1-2 at 8 a.m. CT on CMT.
New ‘Yellowstone’ Podcast Debuts Today
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Yellowstone Official Podcast, an eight-episode companion to the hit series hosted by on-air personality Bobby Bones, launches today (Jan. 23).
The weekly podcast will feature Bones diving into all things from the the smash hit show, from in-depth episode recaps to exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. Bones will bring audiences closer to the Dutton family drama, the show’s iconic landscapes and the talented cast and crew who make it all come to life.
Actress Wendy Moniz, who portrays Senator Lynelle Perry on the hit series, is the first guest on the new podcast, which will be available on the iHeartRadio app as well as all major platforms and is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, iHeartPodcasts and 101 Studios.
“I’ve been such a fan of Yellowstone from the start. I’m excited to jump in and work with them at a deeper level to give insight for other fans of the show. Although, while I probably won’t wear a cowboy hat while on the podcast, it will be entertaining,” says Bones.
Grammy Nominee Party Aids L.A. Wildfires Victims
/by Robert K OermannPictured (L-R): Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Armand Hutton, nominee Jessie Jo Dillon, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Executive Director Alicia Warwick and Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar. Photo: Ed Rode for Getty Images
The Nashville chapter of the Recording Academy pledged its support for the L.A. wildfire victims while celebrating its Grammy nominees on Tuesday evening (Jan. 21).
“Music gives us hope,” said Alicia Warwick, the organization’s senior executive director in Nashville. “Please turn your attention to the cards on your tables. You can contribute to the relief.” Each cocktail table contained a mounted card describing the $1 million contribution by the Academy’s MusiCares Fire Relief and urged donations. This is a charity for members of the music community who were affected. “Let us use the power of music to uplift and to support their needs.”
Nominees Nathan Dantzler, Julian Bunetta and Ian Fitchuk. Photo: Ed Rode for Getty Images
The occasion was the Recording Academy’s annual party to honor the chapter’s Grammy nominees. Staged at the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza, the event is always a recognition of Nashville’s diversity.
Chapter board president Armand Hutton is a previous Grammy nominee as an arranger. “The Nashville chapter has over 110 nominees and 171 nominations in 47 different categories,” he told the crowd. “Our music community is a library of genres. We’re inspired to recognize these talented nominees in this room.”
Four-time jazz nominee Bela Fleck, the bluegrass band Sister Sadie, debut bluegrass artist Bronwyn Keith Hynes, gospel nominees Authentic Unlimited, country’s Dan Smyers and blues nominees Jon Tiven, Joe Bonamassa and Eddie Gore worked the red carpet. Jessie Jo Dillon and Jessi Alexander made history as two Nashville women nominated as Grammy Songwriters of the Year.
Alice Randall’s songs were the basis for the album My Black Country. Rhiannon Giddens is nominated in the American Roots category for her performance of “The Ballad of Sally Anne” on it. Randall will be Giddens’ “date” to the Feb. 2 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
Attendee Cam (Cameron Ochs) is nominated for her work on the Beyonce album Cowboy Carter. Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk earned nominations for their work with Kacey Musgraves on Deeper Well. Nominee Christopher Rowe aided Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, while Julian Bunetta was recognized due to his work with Sabrina Carpenter.
Others nominees who RSVP’d for the party included Rob Ickes, Dane Allen, Nathan Dantzler, Cody Fry, Trey Hensley, Nioshi Jackson, Will Kimbrough, Rob McCoury, Autumn Nelon Streetman, Melodie Walker, Kelvin Wooten, Kevin Young, Andrew Stanton, Pascal LeBoeuf, Lloyd Nix, Jess Russ, Sajan Nauriyal, Josiah Prince and Dan Tyminski.
This will be the 67th annual Grammy Awards presentations.
Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Armand Hutton, nominee Jessi Alexander and Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Ed Rode for Getty Images
Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Armand Hutton, nominee Daniel Tashian, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick. Photo: Ed Rode for Getty Images
Nominees Cody Fry, Cam and Dan Tyminski. Photo: Ed Rode for Getty Images
Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Senior Executive Director Alicia Warwick, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President Armand Hutton. Photo: Ed Rode for Getty Images
Luke Bryan Celebrates Epic 10th Year Of Crash My Playa
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan’s Crash My Playa 2025 Music Festival. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents
Luke Bryan celebrated his 10th annual Crash My Playa event at the Moon Palace Cancún on Jan. 15-18 with a host of fellow superstars and four days packed with pool parties, nightly concerts and plenty of tropical fun.
This year included two nights of headlining performances by Bryan, including a special finale night 10th anniversary “Luke Bryan & Friends” show featuring Bryan performing with Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Dustin Lynch, Dylan Scott, Bailey Zimmerman, Tucker Wetmore, Travis Denning and The Castellows’ Lilly Balkcom.
Additional highlights of the weekend included Dustin Lynch’s Pool Party, a set by Kane Brown and performances from Dasha, Jackson Dean, Elle King, Ella Langley, Kendell Marvell, Dylan Scott, Nate Smith and DJ Rock.
“The 10th Anniversary of Crash My Playa was a blast,” says Bryan. “The fans keep showing up year after year and I can’t thank them enough for the support. We could not have made 10 years of Playa possible without them. I want to say a huge thank you to all of my artist friends who come and perform each year—they are what makes this event so fun and special for these fans. We might even just have more fun than the fans doing this. What a way to kick off 2025!”
Old Soul Ty Myers Shows Off Musical Depth On ‘The Select’ [Interview]
/by LB CantrellTy Myers. Photo: Emily Vinson
What do Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bill Withers, Chris Stapleton, John Mayer and Ernest Hemingway all have in common? They’ve all left a mark on Ty Myers, a 17-year-old country breakout artist releasing his much-anticipated debut album, The Select, tomorrow (Jan. 24) via RECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records.
Myers made waves in 2023 with his debut single, “Tie That Binds,” followed by the breakout success of “Drinkin’ Alone,” which racked up over 64 million streams. His momentum continued with “Ends of the Earth,” earning him a debut on the Billboard Hot 100. With a staggering 230+ million total global streams to date, it’s clear the appetite for Myers’ sound is undeniable.
The music that flows from Myers feels effortless and deeply rooted in authenticity. Raised on his family’s cattle ranch in Austin, Texas, Myers grew up surrounded by it thanks to his singer-songwriter father, Michael. The ranch, dance halls and stacks of records were his playground, sparking a lifelong passion.
One conversation with him and you will see that, though he hasn’t even reached legal adulthood, he’s an old soul.
“I get that a lot,” Myers says of the comment. “I grew up around music. My dad was a musician, and I’d follow him to places I probably shouldn’t have been at that age—dance halls and bar rooms. I was always locked in on the music. That spark started early and never left.”
Myers started writing The Select years ago, before he knew he was working on his debut album. Of the 16 tracks included on the LP, Myers wrote 12 of them alone.
“Thought It Was Love,” one of the album’s earliest tracks, showcases Myers’ lyrical depth, capturing the darkness of love lost with the finesse of a seasoned songwriter. The track was written on a $100 Squier Stratocaster Myers bought from a storage unit sale.
Another lyrical triumph is his solo-write “Worry Is A Sickness,” which, in contrast to the years-old “Thought It Was Love,” Myers wrote the day before going into the studio.
“I love that one,” he says. “I wrote it the day before recording. I wasn’t feeling confident about another song and decided to write something new. It came together quickly, and I knew it was special.”
Signed to UMPG Nashville, Myers isn’t afraid of a co-write. Included on the track list are songwriters Jessi Alexander, Rhett Akins, Anderson East, Trent Dabbs and others.
“Co-writing is fun and teaches you a lot. You become a better songwriter with every session. It’s different from solo writing because solo songs feel entirely yours, straight from the heart to the fans. Co-writing brings in new perspectives and methods, which is helpful, especially when I’m in a slump.”
Vocally, Myers shines on tracks like the euphoric waltz “Ends of the Earth,” the flirty and upbeat “Can’t Hold Me Down” and the languid, soulful “Let ‘Em Talk.” His expressive voice finds new dimensions under the guidance of producer/songwriter Brandon Hood. Recorded at Starstruck Studios in Nashville, the project allowed Myers to tap into the “presence of legends” in the iconic space.
Myers and Hood’s collaboration is perhaps best captured on “Somewhere Over You,” a reimagining of an Allen Shamblin and Mike Reid song that his dad recorded. Myers adds a bold horn section reminiscent of a Withers classic.
“When I told my dad I want to cut ‘Somewhere Over You,’ he didn’t think it was right [for the album]. His version was gospel-sounding, but I was hearing horns and soul thing. I said, ‘Well, I’m doing it, so you can tell me how you feel about it after.’ I recorded it, and now it’s one of his favorite songs on there.”
Another homage to his influences comes in the form of John Mayer’s “Man on the Side.” Myers says, “I’m a huge John Mayer fan—probably his biggest fan. I wanted to nod to the people who influenced me, and Mayer was my number one influence for this album.
“When I started getting into him, I watched his live album Any Given Thursday. The first song that stood out was ‘Man on the Side.’ He played Stevie Ray Vaughan’s ‘Lenny’ before transitioning into it, and it blew me away. It’s so well-written and the only time he’s recorded it, so many people don’t even know it exists. It felt like the right choice to include.”
When looking through the track list, you won’t find a tune called “The Select.” That’s because the album cover is derived from the pages of an Ernest Hemingway novel.
“Hemingway has been a big influence since I was little. My uncle, who’s passed now, loved Hemingway and introduced me to his work. My mom also loved him, so his books were always around. The more I learned about him, the more I felt a connection.
“The album title, The Select, comes from Hemingway’s first novel, The Sun Also Rises. In it, the characters hang out at a bar called Le Select to escape their worries. That’s what I want people to do when they listen to my album.”
Walk Off Entertainment Inks Global Deal With Virgin Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Jen Bontusa, Senior Vice President, Label Management, Virgin Music
Group; Jordon Isbell, Director of Marketing, Virgin Music Group; Chris Ruediger, Founder Walk Off Entertainment; Jacqueline Saturn, President, Virgin Music Group North America, and EVP of Global Artist Relations, Virgin Music Group and John Mayer, Senior Director, National Promotion and Streaming, Virgin Music Group. Photo: Jessie Rogers
Walk Off Entertainment, the Nashville-based company launched by former artist and social media executive Chris Ruediger, has signed a global deal with Virgin Music Group.
In addition to forming Walk Off Entertainment, Ruediger is also the founder of The 615 House, a creative community and promotional outlet for rising artists in Nashville. 615 House has more than 3 million followers on TikTok alone.
“Chris has a proven track record in breaking artists via 615 House,” says Jacqueline Saturn, President, Virgin Music Group North America, and EVP of Global Artist Relations. “We’re thrilled to welcome him and his growing roster of artists into the Virgin family.”
“I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned as an artist and marketer together to back up-and-coming artists via Walk Off Entertainment,” says Ruediger. “We look at the artists on our roster as entrepreneurs in their own right, which makes Virgin Music Group a perfect partner for us at Walk Off. I’m looking forward to getting started with Jacqueline Saturn and her incredible team at Virgin.”
The first releases under the new deal are expected in the first quarter of 2025.
Morgan Wallen & Post Malone Lead iHeartRadio Award Nominations
/by Madison HahnenPost Malone & Morgan Wallen. Photo: Courtesy of Mercury Records/Republic/Big Loud Records
The 12th annual iHeartRadio Awards, taking place March 17 at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, has revealed the full 2025 nominee list.
Morgan Wallen and Post Malone lead the pack in nominations this year, alongside Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift. Swift will be recognized with the Tour of the Century award for her 2023-24 “Eras Tour.”
Wallen notched nominations for Artist of the Year, Country Song of the Year (“Cowgirls”), Country Artist of the Year, Favorite Surprise Guest for bringing out Travis Kelce & Patrick Mahomes during his “One Night At A Time Tour” and Favorite Tour Tradition for his walk out song. Malone earned nominations for Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration (“Fortnight”), Best Lyrics (“Fortnight”) and Best Music Video (“Fortnight”).
Also lending to Wallen and Post’s nominations is their hit single “I Had Some Help,” which is up for Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Country Song of the Year, Best Lyrics and Best Music Video.
Among those also nominated for this year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards are Shaboozey, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Ernest, Nate Smith, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, George Birge, Tucker Wetmore, Julian Bunetta, Ashley Gorley and Amy Allen. The Twisters soundtrack, featuring many country artists, is also nominated for Favorite Soundtrack.
During the ceremony, the 2025 iHeartRadio Innovator Award will be given to Lady Gaga, and Mariah Carey will be honored with the 2025 iHeartRadio Icon Award.
The awards will honor the most-played artists and songs across iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app in 2024, while also giving a sneak peek at the biggest hits of 2025. The show will also include live performances, surprise guest appearances, collaborations and will highlight the journey of the winning artists as they reached No. 1. This year will also honor the resilience of Los Angeles and offer resources to help rebuild its communities amid the L.A. wildfires.
Fan voting will determine this year’s winners for Favorite Soundtrack, Favorite Broadway Debut, Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge, Favorite Surprise Guest, Favorite Tour Tradition, Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, Favorite Tour Style, Favorite Tour Photographer and Favorite On Screen. Voting is open now and ends on March 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT for all categories. Votes can be cast here.
The 2025 iHeartRadio Awards will take place March 17 on FOX at 8 p.m. ET and will broadcast on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the free iHeartRadio app. For a full list of nominations, click here.
Sound Talent Group Elevates Kate Vastano To Director Of HR
/by John Nix ArledgeKate Vastano
Sound Talent Group partners Matt Andersen, Tim Borror and Dave Shapiro have announced that Kate Vastano has joined the company’s senior management team as Director of HR.
Vastano’s expertise in recruiting, employee engagement, employee benefits and love of music have made her an important part of Sound Talent Group’s team and a great asset to the artists and staff. Prior to joining Sound Talent Group, she served as Director of HR at The Agency Group, followed by roles at United Talent Agency where she worked as an HR Business Partner and later as a People Operations Manager.
“Kate has been an incredible addition to our team. Her knowledge and expertise has been invaluable and the energy that she brings to work each day can’t be matched. We are lucky to have her here,” says Andersen.
Reflecting on her time at the company, Vastano adds, “My first year at STG has been the most rewarding of my career, and I’m excited to help grow the company in a thoughtful, impactful way in future years now working as a part of our management team. As we say here, ‘We get to do cool sh_t with our friends’—and I could not agree more.”
Eric Church & Luke Combs To Be Honored With 2025 CRS Artist Humanitarian Award
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church and Luke Combs have been announced as co-recipients of the CRS 2025 Artist Humanitarian Award.
The honor will be presented on Friday, Feb. 21 during the annual Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, and recognizes the unparalleled efforts of Church and Combs, who raised over $24 million in under a month, driven by an Oct. 26 stadium concert in Charlotte that drew a record-breaking 82,000 fans. This massive event, which typically requires over a year of planning, was remarkably mobilized by their collective teams in just 28 days.
Church, through his nonprofit Chief Cares, announced plans to build 100 homes for hurricane victims, starting in Avery County, providing critical shelter to families affected by the devastating storms while also committing to helping address longer-term needs like creating jobs, rebuilding schools and supporting local businesses. In addition, he signed over all publishing royalties from his latest single, “Darkest Hour,” to the people of North Carolina.
Meanwhile, Combs and his team are working directly with North Carolina-based relief efforts to ensure funds are distributed where they are needed most. Their contributions support organizations including Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.
“Eric Church and Luke Combs’ love for their home state has been nothing short of inspiring,” says CRB Awards Committee Chair Beverlee Brannigan. “Their dedication to helping North Carolina recover after Hurricane Helene and their ongoing efforts show just how much they care. This award is a heartfelt recognition of their commitment, hard work, and genuine compassion for the people of North Carolina. Eric and Luke, we’re proud to honor you.”
The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was established in 1990 to recognize country artists whose philanthropic efforts have significantly improved the effectiveness and impact of the causes they support. Past recipients include Kane Brown, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood and more.