Christian Hayes. Photo: Chandler Holmes
A passion for music has remained present through every phase for up-and-coming creator Christian Hayes. Pulling from influences, such as Shawn Mendes and Noah Kahan, he encapsulates personal experiences with his hypnotic folksy pop-country sound.
Bearing bouquets from Amelia’s Flower Truck in honor of his new single, “Wildflower,” Hayes swung by the MusicRow office last week to share his story and perform several songs.
Pictured (L–R): MusicRow’s Liza Anderson and LB Cantrell, Christian Hayes, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Madison Hahnen and John Nix Arledge
Growing up in Rome, Georgia, he was encouraged to write by his grandfather, who perviously served as the state’s Poet Laureate, and began playing guitar and writing tunes around the age of eight. Hayes also led worship in church and played the saxophone for seven years.
He joined the U.S. Navy Reserve before attending the University of Alabama. After graduation, Hayes spent time selling Diesel fuel and gas, cultivating an extensive music catalog on the side. Implementing that military discipline, the songsmith would often wake up at 2 a.m. and spend an hour or so honing his craft before heading to work.
“In every stage of life [so far], it has always come back to music at the end of the day,” he says. “I always knew that I wanted to pursue music in some capacity. I just didn’t know how to.”
Hayes started posting his work on social media a little over a year ago, leading his current manager, Wildrose Projects’ Helena Capps, to discover him in November 2023. By the time he moved to Music City, Hayes had penned more than 900 songs—most of which were written on his parents’ front porch.
“That was where I felt most at home,” Hayes recalls. “I was living in Atlanta selling fuel, and I was trying to write a song while looking at a skyscraper. I just kept thinking, ‘This isn’t like looking at the oak trees back home.'”
Christian Hayes & MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson
This moment served as the muse for unreleased number “Home Sweet Home,” which he played for the MusicRow team.
Since uniting with Capps, Hayes has continued to assemble his team as well as his arsenal of songs, signing with Capitol Records and releasing debut EP Last I Love You earlier this year.
“I always knew that God put me on this planet to write songs and share them, so I haven’t had a ‘plan B’ since we started doing all of this,” he states.
The track “LILY,” an acronym for the project title, was the first song he ever played for Capps and the one he feels “did everything for [him].” As Hayes strummed the opening chords of “LILY” on his guitar, he explained that he wrote to tune to make sense of the discontentment he was feeling at the time following the end of a relationship. Hayes then finished with another Last I Love You track, “Cheyenne.” Inspired by a conversation he had with his father, the song takes listeners on a journey of self-discovery and heartbreak.
Nicknamed the “lullaby kid” by a close friend, Hayes finds himself molding melodies that are easy on the ears alongside lyrics that resonate with others.
“I always wanted my songs to mean something and my words to actually hold weight,” he shares.
Since participating in his first-ever co-writing session in January, Hayes has worked with over 100 writers, including Natalie Hemby, Tenille Townes and Topher Brown, among others. While maintaining the art of writing solo, he is excited to cultivate a solid crew of collaborators and unveil new music in 2025.
Additionally, Hayes is slated to take the stage at the Jackalope Jamboree, taking place June 26–28 at Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton, Oregon.
Craig Wiseman Awarded Honorary Degree
/by Madison HahnenCraig Wiseman. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
Big Loud Partner and Hall of Fame songwriter Craig Wiseman received an honorary degree from The University of Southern Mississippi during the school’s fall 2024 commencement ceremony today (Dec. 13). Wiseman, a Hattiesburg native, was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
“It’s an honor to recognize Craig Wiseman, whose talent has shaped the heart and soul of country music,” said University President Dr. Joe Paul. “His lyrics and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry, and we are thrilled to celebrate his success by awarding this honorary degree.”
As the founder of Big Loud Shirt Publishing, Wiseman is celebrated for his vast catalog, which includes over 400 songs, 150 singles and 30 No. 1 hits. His impressive body of work features tracks such as Brooks and Dunn’s “Believe,” Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here,” Morgan Wallen’s “Chasin’ You,” and many more. Wiseman’s legacy was solidified alongside country music’s greats with Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying,” which spent ten weeks at No. 1, earned NSAI, CMA, and ACM Song of the Year honors, and won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song.
Before his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015, Wiseman earned numerous accolades, including NSAI’s Writer of the Year in 1997, ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2003, 2005, and 2007, and NSAI’s Songwriter of the Decade in 2009. He was also honored with ASCAP’s 2014 Heritage Award as the most performed country songwriter of the century. Wiseman was also celebrated by his home state of Mississippi with the Excellence in Music award at the 27th Annual Governor’s Arts Awards.
Wiseman has also shown a dedication to philanthropy. For eighteen years, he hosted The Stars for Second Harvest Benefit Concert at the Ryman Auditorium, raising more than $2 million during his tenure for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
WMBA Celebrates 25th Anniversary At 2024 Wonder Woman Awards
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Nikki Deaton, Kelsey Roche, Lisa Smoot, Aimee Graham, Rachel Rodriguez, Rachel Mangan and Katie Sundra. Photo: Nick Tavares/NTP Photography
The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary during its 2024 Wonder Woman Award ceremony.
Held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, the annual year-end gala honored members and alumni who are dedicated to WMBA’s mission of working to empower female perspective and foster community within the music business.
The 2024 Wonder Woman Award, the night’s top honor, went to RR Productions’ Rachel Rodriguez. The Wonder Woman title is bestowed upon a member who exemplifies the organization both publicly and behind the scenes while expanding WMBA’s reach and strengthening its foundation.
Additionally, the museum’s Katie Sundra was recognized with Rookie of the Year Award, and Big Loud’s Lisa Smoot took home the Unsung Hero Award.
CAMP 615 and 24 Entertainment’s Nikki Deaton was presented with the On the Rise Award, which is given to an up-and-coming industry talent who is quickly climbing to the top, while Lewis Brisbois’ Rachel Mangan earned the Extra Mile Award, which recognizes a member who has gone above and beyond to ensure the success of the WMBA mission over the past year.
FBMM’s Kelsey Roche was named as this year’s Spirit Award recipient for representing the WMBA ethos both within the organization and through community outreach, and the museum’s Aimee Graham was honored with the President’s Alumni Award, which is presented to a former member who has continued to excel in WMBA fundraising, advocacy, recruiting and mentorship.
“This year’s WMBA Wonder Woman Awards was an extraordinary event acknowledging not only our members and their accomplishments, but also celebrating our 25th year of doing so,” shares Amery Fridenstine, WMBA Board Chairwoman. “Recognizing the influence of these incredible women in the industry alongside our current members and alumni in such an iconic space as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum made our 25th that much more special! The WMBA’s celebrated history of support, education, impact and excellence is the culmination of the hard work and dedication our membership and alumni have contributed to the music industry as well as shown each other. I’m looking forward to the next 25 years and to see how this legacy continues to grow.”
Wyatt Flores, Kameron Marlowe To Headline At Big Creek Music Festival In April
/by Lorie HollabaughThe inaugural Breakout at Big Creek Music Fest at The Crossing at Big Creek in Cottonwood, Alabama will take place April 4-5.
The two-day music festival will feature headliner Wyatt Flores, along with performances from Jackson Dean, Giovannie & the Hired Guns, and Sadie Bass on Friday. Saturday (April 5) will be headlined by Kameron Marlowe, with additional acts including Dylan Marlowe, Pecos & The Rooftops, Bayker Blankenship and Hannah McFarland.
Tickets for the two-day festival are available at bigcreekamphitheater.com, and two-day ticket prices start at $45 plus applicable fees and taxes.
On The Row: Christian Hayes Encapsulates Personal Experience With Hypnotic Harmony
/by Liza AndersonChristian Hayes. Photo: Chandler Holmes
A passion for music has remained present through every phase for up-and-coming creator Christian Hayes. Pulling from influences, such as Shawn Mendes and Noah Kahan, he encapsulates personal experiences with his hypnotic folksy pop-country sound.
Bearing bouquets from Amelia’s Flower Truck in honor of his new single, “Wildflower,” Hayes swung by the MusicRow office last week to share his story and perform several songs.
Pictured (L–R): MusicRow’s Liza Anderson and LB Cantrell, Christian Hayes, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Madison Hahnen and John Nix Arledge
Growing up in Rome, Georgia, he was encouraged to write by his grandfather, who perviously served as the state’s Poet Laureate, and began playing guitar and writing tunes around the age of eight. Hayes also led worship in church and played the saxophone for seven years.
He joined the U.S. Navy Reserve before attending the University of Alabama. After graduation, Hayes spent time selling Diesel fuel and gas, cultivating an extensive music catalog on the side. Implementing that military discipline, the songsmith would often wake up at 2 a.m. and spend an hour or so honing his craft before heading to work.
“In every stage of life [so far], it has always come back to music at the end of the day,” he says. “I always knew that I wanted to pursue music in some capacity. I just didn’t know how to.”
Hayes started posting his work on social media a little over a year ago, leading his current manager, Wildrose Projects’ Helena Capps, to discover him in November 2023. By the time he moved to Music City, Hayes had penned more than 900 songs—most of which were written on his parents’ front porch.
“That was where I felt most at home,” Hayes recalls. “I was living in Atlanta selling fuel, and I was trying to write a song while looking at a skyscraper. I just kept thinking, ‘This isn’t like looking at the oak trees back home.'”
Christian Hayes & MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson
This moment served as the muse for unreleased number “Home Sweet Home,” which he played for the MusicRow team.
Since uniting with Capps, Hayes has continued to assemble his team as well as his arsenal of songs, signing with Capitol Records and releasing debut EP Last I Love You earlier this year.
“I always knew that God put me on this planet to write songs and share them, so I haven’t had a ‘plan B’ since we started doing all of this,” he states.
The track “LILY,” an acronym for the project title, was the first song he ever played for Capps and the one he feels “did everything for [him].” As Hayes strummed the opening chords of “LILY” on his guitar, he explained that he wrote to tune to make sense of the discontentment he was feeling at the time following the end of a relationship. Hayes then finished with another Last I Love You track, “Cheyenne.” Inspired by a conversation he had with his father, the song takes listeners on a journey of self-discovery and heartbreak.
Nicknamed the “lullaby kid” by a close friend, Hayes finds himself molding melodies that are easy on the ears alongside lyrics that resonate with others.
“I always wanted my songs to mean something and my words to actually hold weight,” he shares.
Since participating in his first-ever co-writing session in January, Hayes has worked with over 100 writers, including Natalie Hemby, Tenille Townes and Topher Brown, among others. While maintaining the art of writing solo, he is excited to cultivate a solid crew of collaborators and unveil new music in 2025.
Additionally, Hayes is slated to take the stage at the Jackalope Jamboree, taking place June 26–28 at Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton, Oregon.
‘Bob Kingsley Presents @ The Bluebird Cafe’ Series Returns In February
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): The Bluebird Cafe’s Erika Wollam Nichols, archivist Shannon Lynn, Nan Kingsley, Leslie Satcher & Kent Blazy
The Bluebird Cafe and the Bob Kingsley Estate have announced the 2025 return of the “Bob Kingsley Presents @ The Bluebird Cafe’” limited series featuring classic audio intros from Kingsley’s archives celebrating country music songwriters.
The 2024 inaugural season featured performances by Rhett Akins, Bob DiPiero, Jeffrey Steele, Shane Minor, Leslie Satcher and Kent Blazy, and the second season premieres Feb. 19 at 9 p.m.
Since partnering with The Bluebird Cafe in 2021, The Bob Kingsley Estate’s efforts have supported a multi-year preservation project involving the audio recordings from The Bluebird Cafe across the venue’s 40-plus-year history. That project, now complete, was celebrated during the November installment of “Bob Kingsley Presents @ The Bluebird Cafe,” honoring Kingsley Estate archivist Shannon Lynn with a chair dedication at the famed venue.
“We are so grateful for Nan’s continued support of The Bluebird Cafe,” says The Bluebird Cafe’s GM Erika Wollam Nichols. “Thanks to the Kingsley Estate, the audio legacy of The Bluebird is preserved. We could not be more thrilled to continue the Kingsley Presents series in 2025 and hear Bob’s voice reflecting his admiration and love for these heroes behind the hits.”
“Bob loved visiting The Bluebird Cafe, and he certainly loved spotlighting the writers behind the hits in the countdown,” says Nan Kingsley. “Being able to hear the passionate way Bob spoke of these talented songwriters on the air, while then being able to hear the hits they wrote performed in their voices, brings the journey of a song full circle.”
Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, More Take Home Trophies At 2024 BBMAs
/by Liza AndersonPictured (clockwise): Morgan Wallen, Shaboozey, Taylor Swift and Zach Bryan
The 2024 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) took place last night (Dec. 12) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Taylor Swift became the most-awarded artist in the the event’s history, winning 10 new honors, including Top Artist.
Zach Bryan was the night’s next big winner with five awards, including Top Country Touring Artist and Top Country Album for his self-titled project. Morgan Wallen took home the titles of Top Male Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist and Top Collaboration alongside Post Malone for “I Had Some Help.”
Beyoncé was crowned Top Country Female Artist, and The Red Clay Strays claimed Top Country Duo/Group. Shaboozey was honored as Top Song Sales Artist, as his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was named Top Country Song and Top Selling Song.
For a full list of this year’s winners, click here.
ACM Unveils 2025 LEVel Up Cohort
/by Madison HahnenThe Academy of Country Music’s LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program has revealed the participants for its 2025 cohort.
The 2025 cohort consists of Allie Bartone (Red Light Management), Lilly Brown (BMI), Zoe Cummins (Songwriter), Tanner Davenport (White Boy MGMT & Black Opry), Hope Garrison (Triple Tigers), Krista Hayes-Pruitt (BBRMG/BMG), Samantha Kane (Grand Ole Opry), Matt Najdowski (Farris, Self & Moore, LLC), Ashley Negrillo (Maverick Nashville) and Jess Tomlins (Neon Coast).
The 2025 LEVel Up cohort consists of 10 young professionals with careers across various sectors of the industry, including performing rights organizations, management companies, record labels and more. Nearly all participants in this cohort come from organizations that have not previously been represented in the program. With members hailing from across the entire industry, they join a distinguished group of over 30 unique organizations that have been represented in LEVel Up since its launch in 2022.
The ACM LEVel Up curriculum is designed to empower participants to play a key role in broadening the reach of country music, connecting with new audiences that go beyond traditional demographics and geographic boundaries. Fully funded by ACM, participants spend their first year learning from industry thought leaders and collaborating as a cohort to create a strategy aimed at expanding country music’s appeal to underrepresented audiences. In their second year, the cohort puts their plan into action, working purposefully to shape the future of the genre and drive the industry forward in innovative and impactful ways.
“We are so excited about the new group of LEVel Up members, who are and will continue to be an integral part of the growth and evolution of the country music industry,” says Vipin Reddy, Chair of the ACM Lifting Voices Council. “The 2024 cohort raised the bar for affecting change with results-driven work, and we are thrilled to welcome our outstanding 2025 members to continue the great work of LEVel Up and ACM.”
SOLID Presents Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award To Kari Barnhart
/by LB CantrellSOLID President Rio Van Risseghem with Kari Barnhart, this year’s recipient of The Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo: Courtesy of SOLID
Kari Barnhart has been named as the first recipient of The SOLID Drew Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award.
This award honors SOLID alumni with over 10 years of experience in the music industry who have consistently exemplified the core values of the organization throughout their careers.
Barnhart, who currently serves as SVP/Entertainment Relationship Manager at Studio Bank, began her finance career at HSBC, where she led her team to achieve a top 15 ranking out of 800 offices. She went on to work at Fifth Third Bank, where she played a key role in expanding the Music & Entertainment Division as its Director/Relationship Specialist. Barnhart also spent time at Regions Bank, further solidifying her extensive background in music business banking. She served the SOLID Board from 2015-2017 as the Music Market Co-Chair and 20th Year Celebration Chair and has remained a supporter of the organization, providing mentorship and sharing her expertise as an industry speaker.
The award was created in memory of Alexander, a founding member of SOLID and an esteemed leader in the music industry.
‘Y’all Means All: Diversity Breakfast’ Returns To CRS 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughThe “Y’all Means All: Diversity Breakfast” at CRS returns in 2025 on Feb. 19, featuring a panel dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the country industry.
This year’s panel will be moderated by Tiffany Provenzano, Director at Equal Access/mtheory, and features a lineup including The War & Treaty, Brooke Eden, Sean Copeland (Program Director, Hank-FM, Indianapolis, Radio One) and Shannon Sanders (Executive Director, Creative, BMI).
The event aims to encourage attendees to champion diversity in their organizations and to show minority groups entering the country music industry that there are leaders in positions of influence who reflect and represent them. It will offer discussions on representation, breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments within country radio and beyond.
CRS 2025 will be held Feb. 19-21, 2025.
Post Malone & Luke Combs Top MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePost Malone notches another No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart alongside Luke Combs with their track “Guy For That,” marking the last chart-topper of 2024.
The track is part of his recent album F-1 Trillion and was written by Post, Combs, Ernest, James McNair, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins and Louis Bell.
Yesterday (Dec. 12), Post was awarded three new RIAA certifications. His album F-1 Trillion achieved Platinum status, his six-week No. 1 with Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help,” went five-times Platinum and his hit with Blake Shelton, “Pour Me A Drink,” also earned a Platinum certification.
“Guy For That” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 10 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.