Jason Aldean performing at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio
The 11th annual iHeartCountry Festival, presented by Capital One, took place on Saturday (May 4) at Moody Center in Austin, Texas with a star-studded lineup of Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lady A, Riley Green, Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne and Walker Hayes.
Old Dominion performing with Ashley Cooke at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio
Hulu served as the event’s official streaming destination and streamed performances live exclusively to all Hulu subscribers at no additional cost. iHeartCountry radio stations also broadcasted the event live in their local markets and on iHeartRadio’s website.
Old Dominion kicked off the festival by performing “Song For Another Time” and “Hotel Key,” among others. The group also brought out Ashley Cooke for “Can’t Break Up Now,” a duet they recorded with Megan Moroney.
McBryde had the crowd singing along to “Blackout Betty,” “One Night Standards,” “Light On In The Kitchen” and “The Devil I Know.” Brothers Osborne took the stage for a career-spanning set including “Stay A Little Longer,” “Ain’t My Fault” and “Break Mine.”
Hayes performed his hits “AA,” “Fancy Like” and more in addition to debuting his new limited time men’s collection with JCPenney. Urban stole the show with smashes such as “Somebody Like You,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Wasted Time” as he went out into the mass of Moody Center to sing with fans.
Green kept the party going with “Damn Good Day To Leave” and “Hell Of A Way To Go.” The artist sang “Worst Way,” released last month, and brought it back to 2018 with his first country radio No. 1, “There Was This Girl.” Sweet photos of Green and his grandpa flashed on the screen behind him as he concluded with “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.”
Lady A launched their set with hit “Hey Bartender.” The trio also performed fan favorites “American Honey,” “We Owned The Night” and “Need You Now.” Just when fans thought they were finished, the group came back out for an encore performance of “What If I Never Get Over You.” Jelly Roll stepped onstage to sing his first chart-topper “Son Of A Sinner,” “Need A Favor” and more. He ended by thanking his fans and iHeartRadio for changing his life and performing his hit single “Save Me,” which he recorded with Lainey Wilson.
Aldean closed out the event with “My Kind Of Party,” “Trouble With A Heartbreak” as well as “Let Your Boys Be Country,” and took it all the way back to 2005 with “Hicktown.” He even brought out John Morgan for their collaboration “Friends Like That,” before wrapping with “She’s Country.”
Additionally, the Daytime Village at the iHeartCountry Festival featured performances from Green, Hayes, Cooke, Chris Lane, Chase Matthew and Kelsey Hart. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was the benefiting charity partner of iHeartCountry Festival. At this year’s event, a patient was able to experience the festival backstage with performers.
Jelly Roll performing at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Daniel Cavazos for iHeartRadio
Grace Bowers Announces Lineup For ‘An Evening Supporting Love, Life & Music’
/by Lorie HollabaughRising singer-songwriter Grace Bowers is hosting her second annual benefit concert, “An Evening Supporting Love, Life & Music,” on June 10 at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville.
This year’s show will feature performances from Bowers, The Cadillac Three, Devon Gilfillian, Caroline Jones, Meg McRee, Jared James Nichols, John Osborne, Lucie Silvas, Brittney Spencer, Butch Walker and other special guests. Proceeds from the event will support Voices for a Safer Tennessee and MusiCares. For more information, click here.
The artist first organized the concert in response to the tragic Covenant School shooting in Nashville last year. She and friends such as Butch Walker, Hannah Wicklund, Devon Gilfillian and Daniel Donato took the stage to support Covenant Heals and MusiCares.
Additionally, Bowers released her debut single, “Tell Me Why U Do That,” with her band The Hodge Podge last month. Produced by John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, the track was written by Bowers, Osborne, Silvas, McRee and Ben Chapman. In celebration of the new music, she will make her Grand Ole Opry debut during her 18th birthday on July 30. Bowers also recently formed partnerships with WME, Crowd Surf and Sacks & Co, among others.
‘Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Nashville’ To Return In June As Free Event
/by Liza AndersonCountry star Dustin Lynch is bringing his “Pool Situation: Nashville” back to the Margaritaville Hotel’s rooftop pool at 2 p.m. on June 7. This year, the event will be free and open to the public.
Inspired by Lynch’s Pool Party during Luke Bryan’s annual Crash My Playa, the CMA Fest weekend celebration has featured special guest appearances by Little Big Town, Jordan Davis, Hardy, MacKenzie Porter and more as well as mullet haircuts, Lynch’s famous spinning wheel and an abundance of shots.
“Riding that high is inspiring me to explore not just how well my career is going right now but also expanding into developing artists who see how [my career] is rising,” shared Lynch with The Tennessean. “My fanbase and events like the pool situation allow me to age into curating talents and hosting events with [multi-generational] appeal.”
Admittance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The artist’s “Stay Country Club” members will get exclusive early access. For more information, click here.
Argentine Musician Noel Schajris Teams With Jennifer Nettles On New Bilingual Track
/by Lorie HollabaughNoel Scharis & Jennifer Nettles. Photo: María José Govea
Jennifer Nettles has teamed up with Argentine singer-songwriter and pianist Noel Schajris on a new duet, “Love’s Still Here,” which is sung in both English and Spanish.
The new track released by ONErpm’s Nashville and Latin offices premiered on the Latin Music Awards, and is part of the bilingual 10-song Spanish and English album Timeless that will be released in 2024. The duet is the first time Schajris and Nettles have joined forces on a collaboration. An accompanying video for “Love’s Still Here” was filmed in Atlanta under the direction of Sergio (Teco) Allard.
“The title of the first single ‘Love’s Still Here’ is very appropriate for today’s times to emphasize love and timeless music,” says Schajris. “What an honor to unveil this magical project on the Latin AMAs stage with my sister Jennifer Nettles! Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your voice with me on this adventure.”
Nettles adds, “I’m absolutely thrilled to finally offer this very special project to the world! And to do it for the first time at the Latin American Music Awards is a dream. Collaborating with Noel, it was so organic; as if I had been singing and writing with him forever.”
Timeless Track List:
1. Love’s Still Here
2. Spark
3. Yeah Babe
4. Falling for You
5. Fue un Placer Conocerte
6. Que No Te Asuste El Amor
7. Time to Let It Go
8. Space Between the Words
9. Cada Día, Cada Vez
10. Timeless
Musicians On Call To Host 25th Anniversary Celebration
/by Madison HahnenKelsea Ballerini, Rondal Richardson
Musicians on Call (MOC) will host its “Anthems of Healing” 25th anniversary celebration on May 22 at Marathon Music Works in Nashville.
The evening will be hosted by Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton from Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly. During the event, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini will be presented with the Music Heals Golden Ukulele, for her decade as a volunteer musician for the organization.
Senior Entertainment and Donor Relations Liaison for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Rondal Richardson will also be honored. He will receive the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele for his decade of support towards the organization. He has served on MOC’s Advisory Council and has led fundraising efforts.
Two longtime MOC volunteers will also be honored. Raffaella Braun will receive the Vivek J. Tiwary Volunteer Guide Golden Ukulele, and Sarah Harralson will be presented with the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Golden Ukulele.
“An idea that came about during a hospital concert in New York City 25 years ago has evolved into an organization that, while headquartered here in Nashville, has created remarkable moments of joy and healing for hospital patients all over the country. This night is about celebrating the people and songs that have made those moments possible,” shares Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “Kelsea and Rondal have significantly impacted our mission and the patients we serve. Having such legendary artists join us to honor them and our organization is the perfect way to mark this milestone.”
Performances and appearances from Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Charles Esten, Tiera Kennedy, Tigirlily Gold and Ballerini are also scheduled.
“Anthems of Healing” Host Committee members include Hal Cato (Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee), Todd Cline, Jay and Christi DeGeare, Mitch Glazier (Recording Industry Association of America), HCA Healthcare, Milton & Denice Johnson, Pam & Rick Leet, Diane Pearson (City National Bank), Dan Rogers (Grand Ole Opry), Todd & Sarah Rubin, Catherine Cate Sullivan, Vanderbilt Health and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Companies interested in purchasing a sponsorship table for the event can reach out to partnerships@musiciansoncall.
Americana Music Association Unveils Nominees For 2024 Americana Honors & Awards
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Kaitlin Butts, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War And Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, Monique Ross and Chauntee Ross of SistaStrings, NMAAM’s Dion Brown, MNRK Music Group’s Gina Miller, Americana Music Association’s Jed Hilly, Amanda Fields, Megan McCormick and Ethan Ballinger. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
The Americana Music Association unveiled the nominees for the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards today (May 7) at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in Nashville.
Hosted by MNRK Music Group Senior Vice President & General Manager and Americana Music Association Board member Gina Miller, the event was streamed live on WMOT Roots Radio 89.5 and featured performances by SistaStrings, The War And Treaty, Megan McCormick with Amanda Fields and Ethan Ballinger as well as Kaitlin Butts and Sierra Ferrell.
The winners will be announced during the Americana Honors & Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The event is the hallmark event of AmericanaFest, which is set for Sept. 17-21. A full list of categories and nominees for this year’s Americana Honors & Awards is below:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Rustin’ In The Rain, Tyler Childers; produced by Tyler Childers and The Food Stamps
Brandy Clark, Brandy Clark; produced by Brandi Carlile
Trail of Flowers, Sierra Ferrell; produced by Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa
The Past Is Still Alive, Hurray for the Riff Raff; produced by Brad Cook
Weathervanes, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit; produced by Jason Isbell
ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Tyler Childers
Charley Crockett
Sierra Ferrell
Noah Kahan
Allison Russell
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Black Pumas
Larkin Poe
The Milk Carton Kids
Turnpike Troubadours
The War And Treaty
EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
Kaitlin Butts
Wyatt Flores
Charles Wesley Godwin
The Red Clay Strays
Jobi Riccio
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
Grace Bowers
Maddie Denton
Jamie Dick
Megan McCormick
Joshua Rilko
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“In Your Love,” Tyler Childers; written by Geno Seale and Tyler Childers
“Dear Insecurity,” Brandy Clark (feat. Brandi Carlile); written by Brandy Clark and Michael Pollack
“American Dreaming,” Sierra Ferrell; written by Melody Walker and Sierra Ferrell
“Jealous Moon,” Sarah Jarosz; written by Daniel Tashian and Sarah Jarosz
“Right Back To It,” Waxahatchee (feat. MJ Lenderman); written by Katie Crutchfield
11th Annual iHeartCountry Festival Brings Star-Studded Lineup To Austin
/by Liza AndersonJason Aldean performing at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio
The 11th annual iHeartCountry Festival, presented by Capital One, took place on Saturday (May 4) at Moody Center in Austin, Texas with a star-studded lineup of Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lady A, Riley Green, Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne and Walker Hayes.
Old Dominion performing with Ashley Cooke at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio
Hulu served as the event’s official streaming destination and streamed performances live exclusively to all Hulu subscribers at no additional cost. iHeartCountry radio stations also broadcasted the event live in their local markets and on iHeartRadio’s website.
Old Dominion kicked off the festival by performing “Song For Another Time” and “Hotel Key,” among others. The group also brought out Ashley Cooke for “Can’t Break Up Now,” a duet they recorded with Megan Moroney.
McBryde had the crowd singing along to “Blackout Betty,” “One Night Standards,” “Light On In The Kitchen” and “The Devil I Know.” Brothers Osborne took the stage for a career-spanning set including “Stay A Little Longer,” “Ain’t My Fault” and “Break Mine.”
Hayes performed his hits “AA,” “Fancy Like” and more in addition to debuting his new limited time men’s collection with JCPenney. Urban stole the show with smashes such as “Somebody Like You,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Wasted Time” as he went out into the mass of Moody Center to sing with fans.
Green kept the party going with “Damn Good Day To Leave” and “Hell Of A Way To Go.” The artist sang “Worst Way,” released last month, and brought it back to 2018 with his first country radio No. 1, “There Was This Girl.” Sweet photos of Green and his grandpa flashed on the screen behind him as he concluded with “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.”
Lady A launched their set with hit “Hey Bartender.” The trio also performed fan favorites “American Honey,” “We Owned The Night” and “Need You Now.” Just when fans thought they were finished, the group came back out for an encore performance of “What If I Never Get Over You.” Jelly Roll stepped onstage to sing his first chart-topper “Son Of A Sinner,” “Need A Favor” and more. He ended by thanking his fans and iHeartRadio for changing his life and performing his hit single “Save Me,” which he recorded with Lainey Wilson.
Aldean closed out the event with “My Kind Of Party,” “Trouble With A Heartbreak” as well as “Let Your Boys Be Country,” and took it all the way back to 2005 with “Hicktown.” He even brought out John Morgan for their collaboration “Friends Like That,” before wrapping with “She’s Country.”
Additionally, the Daytime Village at the iHeartCountry Festival featured performances from Green, Hayes, Cooke, Chris Lane, Chase Matthew and Kelsey Hart. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was the benefiting charity partner of iHeartCountry Festival. At this year’s event, a patient was able to experience the festival backstage with performers.
Jelly Roll performing at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Daniel Cavazos for iHeartRadio
Additional Performers Revealed For 59th Annual ACM Awards
/by John Nix ArledgeHosted by 16-time ACM Award-winning legend Reba McEntire, the awards show will stream live on Prime Video from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m.
Making his debut on the ACM Awards stage, Post Malone joins a lineup that includes 2022 New Male Artist of the Year Parker McCollum, along with duets featuring Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan, Nate Smith with Avril Lavigne and Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani. Previously announced artists Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, and McEntire will join these new additions on stage.
The events will kick off with Live from the ACM Awards: ACM New Artist Winners Celebration on May 14 at 8 p.m., Live from the ACM Awards: Backstage with Kelly & Amber on May 15 at 8 p.m., followed by the official ACM Red Carpet on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch on May 16.
Throughout the night, radio personality Bobby Bones will host “Backstage with Bobby Bones,” featuring artist interviews and special moments from the show.
The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions. Raj Kapoor serves as Executive Producer and Showrunner, alongside Co-Executive Producer Patrick Menton. Damon Whiteside is the Executive Producer for the Academy of Country Music, and Barry Adelman holds the same role for DCP. Additionally, John Saade continues to serve as consulting producer for Amazon MGM Studios.
In collaboration with Prime Video, ACM Awards made history in 2022 as the first major awards ceremony to exclusively livestream. Following the success of the 2023 show, the event returns to Frisco, TX, for the second consecutive year.
LoCash To Launch ‘Hometown Home Tour’ This Month
/by Lorie HollabaughLoCash. Photo: Josh Beech
LoCash plans to launch their “Hometown Home Tour” on May 31 in Lebanon, Oregon at the Lebanon Strawberry Festival.
The tour is named after the duo’s new single, “Hometown Home,” a tribute to putting down roots in the very place that raised you. LoCash, made up of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, wrote the song with Zach Abend and Andy Albert. “Hometown Home” marks the first release on the pair’s Galaxy Label Group.
LoCash will visit 34 cities on the new tour, including St. Louis, Orlando, Sioux Falls, Hilton Head Island and more, through Oct. 19. They also plan to join Kane Brown on select dates of his “In The Air Tour.” For more information, click here.
Industry Ink: Taylor Vaughn, Lena Stone, Hayefield
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Vaughn Joins Full Coverage Communications As Vice President
Taylor Vaughn. Photo: Courtesy of Full Coverage Communications
Full Coverage Communications has hired Taylor Vaughn as Vice President. Vaughn brings 15 years of music and entertainment industry experience with her to the new role. She has worked on campaigns for artists such as Stephen Sanchez, Greta Van Fleet and more, as well as film soundtracks for Spider-Man: Across The Spiderverse, Space Jam: A New Legacy and more. Based in Los Angeles, Vaughn will be working with the company’s full roster in her new role, including Tim McGraw and Carly Pearce.
“We are so pleased to welcome Taylor to our team. She has extraordinary PR vision and leadership skills that will be a driving force as our business evolves and grows,” says Full Coverage Communications President Kristen Foster.
Lena Stone Launches Catalyst Co.
Lena Stone. Photo: Lydia Gritters
Lena Stone has launched a boutique artist development firm, Catalyst Co. The company intends to help artists, creators and brands establish their identity and offer innovative problem-solving. Catalyst Co. has already worked with Peyton Gilliland, Bobby Watson, Remy Garrison, Dan Harrison and Onoleigh.
Stone’s background includes time as a recording artist as well as roles with Song Suffragettes and Song Factory Music Publishing.
“I am so proud to officially share Catalyst Co. with the Nashville community. I have always been passionate about independent artists, and I am deeply grateful to the artists who have trusted me to help them on their journeys since I founded Catalyst Co. last February. I believe there has never been a better time to make music, and I’m excited to see what the future holds,” shares Stone.
Hayefield Signs With Rise Music Group
Hayefield. Photo: Courtesy of Perk PR
Genre-bending band Hayefield has signed with Rise Music Group for exclusive management representation.
The group’s debut EP Trees was produced by Adam Ernst and Austin Shawn, who has worked with Bailey Zimmerman and Chase Matthew. Hayefield has spent time on the road with Austin Meade, Riley Green, Muscadine Bloodline, Hayden Coffman, Trey Lewis and more.
“I’ve been a genuine fan of these guys for years,” shares Tanner Louis, CEO/Artist Manager, Rise Music Group. “The band’s authentic blend of country and pop-punk influences ignites an infectious energy at every show… Hayefield is going to make some NOISE in music city, no doubt about that!”
The Neal Agency Signs Zach John King
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Hyphen Media Group’s Matt Reed, TNA’s Ryan Beuschel, Zach John King, TNA’s Evan Kantor and TNA’s Kolby Vetter. Photo: Kelly Littlefield
Rising artist Zach John King has signed with The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking. The firm joins King’s existing team that includes Matt Reed at Hyphen Media Group for management and artist development, Boom Music Group for publishing and Cmdshft for distribution.
With over five million career streams accumulated across only five singles released so far, the Fayetteville, Georgia native’s music fuses country, Americana and indie rock. King garnered three million views on demos and work tapes on TikTok before his first official release, showing true interest from fans. He is set to release his first EP, Wannabe Cowboy, on May 24.
“It was evident from our initial meeting with Zach that the music he’s creating, his drive to succeed and his overall artistic vision are the perfect match for the type of artistry we strive to represent at The Neal Agency,” share TNA’s Ryan Beuschel, Evan Kantor and Kolby Vetter. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with Zach and continue building his career.”
“I’m incredibly honored to be a part of such a powerhouse team. I feel like the size and intentionality of TNA matches my vision for building an artistic foundation that will last,” shares King. “It’s inspiring to see my name amongst some of the biggest artists in the world, and pushes me to work even harder at building my career.”
In addition to King, TNA’s roster also includes Palmer Anthony, Cory Asbury, Cameron Sacky Band, Aidan Canfield, Ashland Craft, Ernest, Riley Green, Hardy, Preston James, Ella Langley, John Morgan, Chase Rice, Josh Ross, Seaforth, Nate Smith, Morgan Wallen, Ole 60, Lauren Watkins, Anne Wilson, Jake Worthington and Bailey Zimmerman, along with the entertainment brand Whiskey Jam.