Kacey Musgraves & Blake Shelton.
Country music is nothing if not diverse.
The take-away from this year’s CMA Awards show was how different our artists are from one another. Not to mention the fact that we have the best singers.
This week’s DISClaimer echoes that sonic diversity. We have folkies, rockers, hip-hoppers, honky-tonkers and crooners in today’s sampling of current country sounds. The King and Queen of this colorful parade are Kacey Musgraves and Blake Shelton, who share this week’s Disc of the Day honor.
KIP MOORE / “Learning As I Go”
Writers: Dan Couch/Kip Moore/Luke Preston/Oscar Charles; Producers: Kip Moore, Oscar Charles; Label: Virgin
– Thanks to the more than 100,000 tickets he sold in Australia, South Africa and other overseas destinations last year, Moore is this year’s CMA International Award winner. He rocks out splendidly on this Boss-like, blue-collar romp. Furious beats back his hoarse, urgent delivery of his finest lyric to date. Rock on, bro.
ADRIEN NUNEZ / “Apology Song”
Writers: Adrien Nunez/Jacob Bryant/John Davidson; Producer: John Davidson; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– Nunez is former college basketball star who set his athletic career aside in favor of music. His sound is a catchy, crunchy pop pastiche of sing-along woah-ohs and bouncy boyish folk simplicity. Double tracked vocals, toe-tapping beats, echoey production. In the Shaboozey neighborhood of country music.
KACEY MUSGRAVES / “The Architect”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Kacey Musgraves/Shane McAnally; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– Nominated for a Grammy as Best Country Song, this was a standout on Wednesday’s CMA Awards telecast. Musgraves delivers it in a folk-angel soprano as she muses about our Higher Power. Melodic, thoughtful, lilting, deep and utterly captivating. Also: Gorgeously produced, as is her entire Deeper Well collection. She hits Bridgestone Arena on Dec. 6 & 7 with Nickel Creek and Lord Huron in support.
DASHA / “Heartbreaker From Tennessee”
Writers: Anna Dasha Novotny/Jules Paymer/Oren Yoel; Producers: Bardo, Oren Yoel; Label: Warner Records
– Country’s new dance queen is back with a hooky rumbler that lays down a relentless mid-tempo groove while she reflects on her youthful tumble for a Volunteer State dude. “Austin” was a monster jam and this one demonstrates that zillion-seller was no fluke.
BLAKE SHELTON / “Texas”
Writers: Johnny Clawson/Josh Dorr/Kyle Sturrock/Lalo Guzman; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– He’s such a superb country singer. With a song this cool, he’s unstoppable. Shelton’s debut on his new label turns some interesting rhythmic corners and sports super clever lyrics. Plus, you get a “Greek chorus” talking to him. “If she ain’t with me in Tennessee…she’s probably in Texas,” because that’s where ex’s go. This deserves to be a massive hit.
TANNER ADELL / “Religion”
Writers: Akil King/Anthony White/Parker Wellington/Stephen McGregor/Tanner Adell; Producer: Stephen McGregor; Label: ColorxStudios
– “Buckle Bunny” Adell does a change of pace and unveils her talent for ballad singing here. The gentle, soothing tune posits that it is faith that keeps us all going forward. Nicely done.
RODNEY ATKINS / “True South”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Rodney Atkins; Label: Curb Records
– This one’s a fist-pumping redneck anthem with shout-outs to guns, whiskey, backwoods living, religion, hunting, tractors, U.S.A., girls in cut-off jeans, barbecue……Did I miss anything?
GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS / “Empty Trainload Of Sky”
Writers: David Rawlings/Gillian Welch; Producer: David Rawlings; Label: Acony Records
– This drowsy, haunting, minor-key, pristine outing is nominated for a Grammy as Americana Song of the Year. Its parent album, Woodland, snared a Folk nomination as well. These two performers make acoustic music soar and shine. Guitars ripple, brushed drums keep time and an organ sighs.
KANE BROWN & KATELYN BROWN / “Body Talk”
Writers: Amanda Renee Ibanez/Jonathan Capeci/Kane Brown/Nicholas Sainato/Nick Long; Producers: Jonathan Capeci, Nicholas Sainato; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Intimate, sexy and breathy. A ballad with a burbling undertow of percolating rhythm. Sensuous listening. Add this.
ZACH TOP / “I Never Lie”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Tim Nichols/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Everything is peachy-keen in his world. He’s never been better. Things are going his way. Don’t you believe any of this. It’s all a false front for the One Who Got Away. As usual, he is a beacon of true country music. His guitar licks are answered by loads of steel, and his vocal is honky-tonk perfection. Bless him.
SHABOOZEY / “Good News”
Writers: Chibueze Collins Obinna/Jake Torrey/Michael Pollack/Nevin Sastry/Sam Roman/Sean Cook; Producers: Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– He maintains his strummy, hand-clappy, sing-along vibe, but this time around he has something serious on his mind. The man is going through rough times, bearing the blues, being lonely, feeling the weight of the world and struggling in life. What he needs and what this song hopes for is some good news. Honesty and country authenticity married to bounding beats. Celebrate him: Thanks to “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey is up for six Grammys this year.
MARCUS HUMMON & MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER / “I Dwell In Possibility”
Writer: Marcus Hummon; Producer: Marcus Hummon; Label: 3686 Records
– Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hummon’s new EP is titled Songs for Emily because it is a collection of compositions he wrote based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). On this languid meditation, his singing is joined by the jewel-like tones of Chapin. The crystal-clear acoustic production is outstanding. Very arty, yet very cool.
RINGO STARR & ALISON KRAUSS / “Thankful”
Writers: Bruce Sugar/Richard Starkey; Producers: Bruce Sugar, Ringo Starr, T Bone Burnett; Label: Roccabella
– Saturated with steel, this is a loping ride to redemption. Alison’s harmony vocal is very, very softly mixed.
Shaboozey Named 2024 SoundExchange Breakout Artist
/by Lorie HollabaughShaboozey receives the SoundExchange Breakout Artist Award. Photo: JJ Tanaka
Shaboozey has been honored as a 2024 SoundExchange Breakout Artist.
The award recognizes Shaboozey’s undeniable success this year, from his smash single “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and latest album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, to his standout appearances on Beyoncé’s star-studded country album, Cowboy Carter and more. “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” recently marked its 18th consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is the longest in history by a solo artist with no accompanying credited acts.
“Shaboozey has literally changed the game, marrying hip-hop and country music to create a unique sound that has rocketed him into the consciousness of the mainstream,” says Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “He’s a prolific creator, unafraid of pairing big, exciting hooks with relatable storytelling and staging memorable live performances. We are proud to present Shaboozey with the SoundExchange Breakout Artist Award, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.”
“Thank you to SoundExchange for this honor and naming me 2024’s Breakout Artist,” says Shaboozey. “It’s been an incredibly fulfilling year with still, lots to come, and I deeply respect the work that you do to ensure artists get paid fairly for the use of their work.”
The first-ever Black artist to simultaneously top Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart and the Hot 100, Shaboozey will headline the Thanksgiving Halftime Show powered by Verizon at the Detroit Lions’ annual holiday football game on Nov. 28 on CBS. His North American tour wraps Dec. 16 in Philadelphia. He will also play Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House on Jan. 18 to kick off 2025, and has a European tour slated for March.
Spotify Holds Nashville Industry Brunch During CMA Awards Week
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Anthony Langone, Miller Guth, Tim Foisset, Gemma McIntruff, Sulinna Ong, Rachel Whitney, Ampah Edwards. Greg Sieme, Jackie Augustus and John Stein. (L-R, bottom row): Claire Heinichen, Monica Damashek, Dustee Jenkins, Meagan Bennington, Jacqueline Ankner and Kimberly Summers at Spotify’s Nashville Industry Brunch at Harriets @ The 1 Hotel. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Spotify
Spotify hosted a brunch for Nashville music industry members earlier this week, leading up to the 58th annual CMA Awards.
The event was help at Harriet’s at 1 Hotel. Guests dined on brunch food and coffee, and enjoyed a DJ and bloody mary bar.
Pictured (L-R): Annie Ortmier and Dustee Jenkins attend Spotify’s Nashville Industry Brunch at Harriets @ The 1 Hotel. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Spotify
Pictured (L-R): Olivia Hanceri and Kelly Bolton attend Spotify’s Nashville Industry Brunch at Harriets @ The 1 Hotel. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Spotify
Pictured (L-R): Marcel Pariseau and Katie McCartney attend Spotify’s Nashville Industry Brunch at Harriets @ The 1 Hotel. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Spotify
A view of the atmosphere during Spotify’s Nashville Industry Brunch at Harriets @ The 1 Hotel. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images for Spotify
CMA Presents Three More 2024 International Awards
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): CMA’s Sarah Trahern, Meredith Goucher, Gold & Gold Productions’ Ron Sakamoto, Kip Moore and CMA’s Milly Olykan. Photo: Zach Whitmore/CMA
The Country Music Association presented three more 2024 CMA International Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 20).
Kip Moore was honored with the 2024 CMA International Artist Achievement Award during the CMA International Reception in downtown Nashville. This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a U.S.-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of America. Moore has forged new paths for the genre in South Africa, having first toured the country in 2023, and headlined the first-ever country music festival in South Africa, Cape Town Country Festival (CTC), earlier this year.
Also during the International Reception, Gold & Gold Productions President Ron Sakamoto was presented with the 2024 CMA Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award by Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey. This accolade recognizes outstanding achievements made by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for the country format outside of the United States. Throughout his career thus far, Sakamoto has worked to promote individuals and groups across Canada.
Pictured (L–R): CMA’s Meredith Goucher, Josh Ross, CMA’s Milly Olykan and Luke Bryan. Photo: Zach Whitmore/CMA
Later that night on the CMA Awards Red Carpet, Josh Ross was surprised with the 2024 CMA Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award by host Luke Bryan. This award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist who is originally based internationally and currently signed outside of the United States. Ross has surpassed 300 million streams, toured with Bryan and Nickelback, among others, and was named as the 2024 CCMA Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
The remaining 2024 CMA International Awards will be presented throughout the next several months.
Langley & Green Keep No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgePictured: Ella Langley and Riley Green; Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Ella Langley stays atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for the fourth consecutive week with her song “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Riley Green.
The track is a part of her debut studio album Hungover and was written by Langley, Green and Aaron Raitiere.
Wednesday night (Nov. 20), Langley and Green secured the 2024 CMA award for Musical Event of the Year. The duo, celebrating their first-ever win, received the honor during the red carpet event ahead of the main ceremony, shortly before taking the stage to perform their award-winning track.
“You Look Like You Love Me” currently sits at No. 8 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.
Jack Wharff & The Tobacco Flatts Sign With Big Machine Records
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): PLAYDATE’s Mason Romm, Big Machine Label Group’s LJ Stoll, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones and PLAYDATE’s Nate Fenningdorf; (L-R, front row): The Tobacco Flatt’s Ryan Atchison, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Jack Wharff and The Tobacco Flatt’s Garrett Howell. Not Pictured: The Tobacco Flatt’s Evan Novoa. Photo: Nick Rau for Big Machine Records
Big Machine Records has signed Jack Wharff & The Tobacco Flatts.
Hailing from Richmond, Wharff grew up surrounded by bluegrass through his father’s band, The Slack Family, developing a deep connection with the sound from a young age. Into his teen years, the now 21-year-old lead singer began writing his own songs. In 2023, Wharff met drummer Garrett Howell and bassist Ryan Atchison at an open mic night in downtown Richmond, and formed The Tobacco Flatts almost instantly. They later added guitarist Evan Novoa to the band as well, and burst onto the scene with snippets of originals posted to TikTok and Instagram Reels.
“I cannot wait for the world to experience Jack Wharff & The Tobacco Flatts,” says Big Machine Label Group’s Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “With its deep southern roots and insane turbo-charged bluegrass chops, this band will rip your head off and you’ll be screaming for more.”
“When I think about being signed to an incredible, hardworking team like Big Machine Records, it assures me of how gracious God is,” shares Wharff. “We are beyond blessed to be doing what we love with the phenomenal people at Big Machine Label Group.”
The band is releasing a new song via Big Machine,“Picture Perfect,” today (Nov. 22) that captures the feeling of unconditional love and adoration. Written by Wharff alongside Brian Bunn, Tyler Woodward, Ben Wagner, Atchison and Howell, the track is a sweet and reassuring love letter that melds bluegrass roots with country and Americana influences and
Hudson Westbrook Plots Spring Headlining Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughHudson Westbrook has announced his spring headlining tour kicking off in early 2025.
The River House artist will visit Omaha, Baton Rouge, Orlando, Atlanta, Charleston, Oklahoma City and more on the new tour, which runs through May. In addition to his headlining dates, Westbrook will also support Ian Munsick on several dates in early spring.
The tour announcement comes on the heels of the release of Westbrook’s self-titled debut EP, which includes previously-released singles “Two-Way Drive,” “5 to 9” and “Dopamine.” Released Nov. 15, the seven-song project debuted in the top 10 on the iTunes Country Chart as well as in the top 10 on Spotify’s Top Debut Albums U.S. chart. His single, “House Again,” was released in October and has already accumulated over 12 million streams.
Originally from Texas, Westbrook has released six tracks since March, accumulating over 52 million global career streams. He also has support dates with Midland, the Eli Young Band and Cole Swindell for 2025.
Hudson Westbrook Tour Dates:
1/6-11: Steamboat Springs, CO (MusicFest)
1/16: Columbia, MO (The Blue Note)
1/17: Fayetteville, AR (George’s Majestic Theater) SOLD OUT
1/18: Oklahoma City, OK (Tower Theater)
1/23: Stephenville, TX (Twisted J)
1/24: San Marcos, TX (The Marc)
1/25: Beaumont, TX (The Roxy)
1/30: Wichita, KS (The Cotillion)
1/31: Omaha, NE (The Admiral Theater)
2/1: Lawrence, KS (Granada Theater)
2/7: Baton Rouge, LA (Texas Club)
2/8: Bossier City, LA (Bulls, Bands & Barrels)
2/21: Lexington, KY (Manchester Music Hall) *with Ian Munsick*
2/22: Louisville, KY (Old Forester’s Paristown Hall) *with Ian Munsick*
2/27: Mobile, AL (Soul Kitchen)
2/28: Milledgeville, GA (Ned Kelly’s)
3/1: Jacksonville, FL (Bulls, Bands & Barrels)
3/6: Bloomington, IL (Castle Theater)
3/7: Grand Rapids, MI (The Intersection) *with Ian Munsick*
3/8: Clive, IA (Horizon Events Center) *with Ian Munsick*
3/14: Orlando, FL (PBR Orlando)
3/15: Clewiston, FL (Sugar Festival)
3/22: Helotes, TX (Floore’s Country Store)
3/28: Huntsville, TX (The Jolly Fox)
4/5: Georgetown, TX (Two Step Inn)
4/11: Monroe, LA (Mustang Sally)
4/12: New Orleans, LA (Parish at House of Blues)
4/26: Knoxville, TN (Rock The Country)
5/2: Poplar Bluff, MO (Rock The Country)
5/3: Nacogdoches, TX (Banita Creek Hall)
5/8: Atlanta, GA (Buckhead Theater)
5/9: Charleston, SC (Music Farm)
5/10: Ocala, FL (Rock The Country)
5/16: Waco, TX (The Backyard)
5/29: Virginia Beach, FL (Elevation 27)
5/30: Richmond, VA (Broadberry)
5/31: York, PA (Rock The Country)
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kacey Musgraves & Blake Shelton Share Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannKacey Musgraves & Blake Shelton.
Country music is nothing if not diverse.
The take-away from this year’s CMA Awards show was how different our artists are from one another. Not to mention the fact that we have the best singers.
This week’s DISClaimer echoes that sonic diversity. We have folkies, rockers, hip-hoppers, honky-tonkers and crooners in today’s sampling of current country sounds. The King and Queen of this colorful parade are Kacey Musgraves and Blake Shelton, who share this week’s Disc of the Day honor.
Writers: Dan Couch/Kip Moore/Luke Preston/Oscar Charles; Producers: Kip Moore, Oscar Charles; Label: Virgin
– Thanks to the more than 100,000 tickets he sold in Australia, South Africa and other overseas destinations last year, Moore is this year’s CMA International Award winner. He rocks out splendidly on this Boss-like, blue-collar romp. Furious beats back his hoarse, urgent delivery of his finest lyric to date. Rock on, bro.
ADRIEN NUNEZ / “Apology Song”
Writers: Adrien Nunez/Jacob Bryant/John Davidson; Producer: John Davidson; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– Nunez is former college basketball star who set his athletic career aside in favor of music. His sound is a catchy, crunchy pop pastiche of sing-along woah-ohs and bouncy boyish folk simplicity. Double tracked vocals, toe-tapping beats, echoey production. In the Shaboozey neighborhood of country music.
KACEY MUSGRAVES / “The Architect”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Kacey Musgraves/Shane McAnally; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Interscope Records/MCA Nashville
– Nominated for a Grammy as Best Country Song, this was a standout on Wednesday’s CMA Awards telecast. Musgraves delivers it in a folk-angel soprano as she muses about our Higher Power. Melodic, thoughtful, lilting, deep and utterly captivating. Also: Gorgeously produced, as is her entire Deeper Well collection. She hits Bridgestone Arena on Dec. 6 & 7 with Nickel Creek and Lord Huron in support.
DASHA / “Heartbreaker From Tennessee”
Writers: Anna Dasha Novotny/Jules Paymer/Oren Yoel; Producers: Bardo, Oren Yoel; Label: Warner Records
– Country’s new dance queen is back with a hooky rumbler that lays down a relentless mid-tempo groove while she reflects on her youthful tumble for a Volunteer State dude. “Austin” was a monster jam and this one demonstrates that zillion-seller was no fluke.
BLAKE SHELTON / “Texas”
Writers: Johnny Clawson/Josh Dorr/Kyle Sturrock/Lalo Guzman; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– He’s such a superb country singer. With a song this cool, he’s unstoppable. Shelton’s debut on his new label turns some interesting rhythmic corners and sports super clever lyrics. Plus, you get a “Greek chorus” talking to him. “If she ain’t with me in Tennessee…she’s probably in Texas,” because that’s where ex’s go. This deserves to be a massive hit.
TANNER ADELL / “Religion”
Writers: Akil King/Anthony White/Parker Wellington/Stephen McGregor/Tanner Adell; Producer: Stephen McGregor; Label: ColorxStudios
– “Buckle Bunny” Adell does a change of pace and unveils her talent for ballad singing here. The gentle, soothing tune posits that it is faith that keeps us all going forward. Nicely done.
RODNEY ATKINS / “True South”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Rodney Atkins; Label: Curb Records
– This one’s a fist-pumping redneck anthem with shout-outs to guns, whiskey, backwoods living, religion, hunting, tractors, U.S.A., girls in cut-off jeans, barbecue……Did I miss anything?
GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS / “Empty Trainload Of Sky”
Writers: David Rawlings/Gillian Welch; Producer: David Rawlings; Label: Acony Records
– This drowsy, haunting, minor-key, pristine outing is nominated for a Grammy as Americana Song of the Year. Its parent album, Woodland, snared a Folk nomination as well. These two performers make acoustic music soar and shine. Guitars ripple, brushed drums keep time and an organ sighs.
KANE BROWN & KATELYN BROWN / “Body Talk”
Writers: Amanda Renee Ibanez/Jonathan Capeci/Kane Brown/Nicholas Sainato/Nick Long; Producers: Jonathan Capeci, Nicholas Sainato; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Intimate, sexy and breathy. A ballad with a burbling undertow of percolating rhythm. Sensuous listening. Add this.
ZACH TOP / “I Never Lie”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Tim Nichols/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Everything is peachy-keen in his world. He’s never been better. Things are going his way. Don’t you believe any of this. It’s all a false front for the One Who Got Away. As usual, he is a beacon of true country music. His guitar licks are answered by loads of steel, and his vocal is honky-tonk perfection. Bless him.
SHABOOZEY / “Good News”
Writers: Chibueze Collins Obinna/Jake Torrey/Michael Pollack/Nevin Sastry/Sam Roman/Sean Cook; Producers: Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– He maintains his strummy, hand-clappy, sing-along vibe, but this time around he has something serious on his mind. The man is going through rough times, bearing the blues, being lonely, feeling the weight of the world and struggling in life. What he needs and what this song hopes for is some good news. Honesty and country authenticity married to bounding beats. Celebrate him: Thanks to “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey is up for six Grammys this year.
MARCUS HUMMON & MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER / “I Dwell In Possibility”
Writer: Marcus Hummon; Producer: Marcus Hummon; Label: 3686 Records
– Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hummon’s new EP is titled Songs for Emily because it is a collection of compositions he wrote based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). On this languid meditation, his singing is joined by the jewel-like tones of Chapin. The crystal-clear acoustic production is outstanding. Very arty, yet very cool.
RINGO STARR & ALISON KRAUSS / “Thankful”
Writers: Bruce Sugar/Richard Starkey; Producers: Bruce Sugar, Ringo Starr, T Bone Burnett; Label: Roccabella
– Saturated with steel, this is a loping ride to redemption. Alison’s harmony vocal is very, very softly mixed.
Sony Music Nashville Hosts 2024 CMA Awards After Party
/by LB CantrellSony Music Nashville staff. Photo: Kaylee Steffel
Sony Music Nashville celebrated the 58th annual CMA Awards with an after party at Luke Combs‘ Category 10 in downtown Nashville.
Sony Music Nashville acts Brooks & Dunn and Old Dominion both set records with their respective wins at the awards ceremony. The newly-minted Vocal Duo of the Year are now the most-decorated artists in CMA history, tied with Chris Stapleton. Old Dominion’s seventh Vocal Group of the Year victory marks the longest consecutive winning streak in the category. Megan Moroney was named New Artist of the Year, taking home her first CMA Award.
The night was also filled with performances by the label’s artists, including Combs staging his Grammy-nominated hit “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” Moroney performing her single “Am I Okay?” and Brooks & Dunn recruiting Jelly Roll for a powerful rendition of their 2005 hit “Believe.”
Pictured (L–R): Sony Music Nashville’s Ken Robold, Taylor Lindsey, Parker Stacey, PunchBowl Entertainment’s Juli Griffith, Megan Moroney, Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, PunchBowl Entertainment’s Hayley Corbett and Columbia’s Julian Swirsky. Photo: Kaylee Steffel
Pictured (L–R): Morris Higham’s Will Hitchcock, Old Dominion’s Geoff Sprung, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi, Sony Music Nashville’s Taylor Lindsey and Ken Robold. Photo: Kaylee Steffel
Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman, Old Dominion To Headline Country Thunder Alberta
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman and Old Dominion are set to headline Country Thunder Alberta, taking place Aug. 15–17 in the heart of downtown Calgary.
This will mark Johnson’s first Country Thunder Alberta appearance, and Zimmerman will return to the festival after performing in 2023. Old Dominion will make their Country Thunder Alberta headline debut, following their performance in 2017.
Ashley McBryde, Jake Owen, Riley Green and Clint Black join Canadian talent Tim Hicks, James Barker Band, Lindsay Ell and Owen Riegling to fill out the festival lineup.
“We can’t wait to bring this star-studded lineup to Calgary,” says Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer. “Alberta is home to some of the most passionate country music fans in the world, and our top priority is to deliver world-class entertainment to them year after year. I think we’ve knocked it out of the park this year and I know fans will think so, too!”
Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
Warner Music Nashville & Warner Records Celebrate 2024 CMA Awards
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Gregg Nadel (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Cody Johnson, Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN) and Ashley McBryde.
Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records celebrated their artists’ wins and live performances during the 58th Annual CMA Awards during an after party.
Cody Johnson took home the trophy for Album of the Year for Leather, while Ashley McBryde, Bailey Zimmerman and Jamey Johnson performed live during the show.
After party attendees included Johnson, McBryde, Zimmerman, Teddy Swims, Gavin Adcock and more. Warner Music Nashville Co-Chairs/Co-Presidents Gregg Nadel and Cris Lacy were also in attendance, alongside Co-Chairman/CEO of Warner Records Aaron Bay-Schuck and Warner Records Co-Chairman/COO Tom Corson, among others.
In addition to the after party, Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records hosted a luncheon for its label roster and staff earlier in the day. Those in attendance included Randall King, Redferrin, Warren Zeiders, Dasha, SVP A&R Stephanie Wright, SVP Marketing & Analytics Victoria Mason, SVP/Creative Director Mike Dupree, SVP Radio & Commercial Partnerships Kristen Williams, SVP Legal & Business Affairs Patrick Sabatini and more.
Pictured (L-R): Stephanie Wright (SVP A&R, WMN), Victoria Mason (SVP Marketing & Analytics, WMN), Randall King, Mike Dupree (SVP/Creative Director, WMN), Gregg Nadel (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Commercial Partnerships, WMN), Redferrin, Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman/CEO, Warner Records), Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Patrick Sabatini (SVP Legal & Business Affairs, WMN), Tom Corson (Co-Chairman/COO, Warner Records), Anna Cage (VP Radio, WMN), Warren Zeiders, Tom Martens (VP Radio Accounts, WMN) and Dasha.
Pictured (L-R): Gregg Nadel (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Bailey Zimmerman, Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman/CEO, Warner Records) and Tom Corson (Co-Chairman/COO, Warner Records).
Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman/CEO, Warner Records) and Teddy Swims.
Pictured (L-R): Tom Corson (Co-Chairman/COO, Warner Records), Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman/CEO, Warner Records), Gavin Adcock, Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN) and Gregg Nadel (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN)