Industry Brings The Party To Barstool Nashville For George Birge’s No. 1 ‘Mind On You’

Pictured (L-R, back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill, Records Nashville’s Josh Easler and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen; (L-R, front row): Michael Tyler, George Birge, Jaron Boyer and Colt Ford. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

Industry members brought the party to Barstool Nashville to commemorate George Birge‘s first-ever No. 1 hit “Mind On You” on Thursday (Feb. 29). Birge co-wrote the Ash Bowers-produced tune alongside Michael Tyler, Colt Ford and Jaron Boyer.

Attendees were met with joyous energy as they entered the colorfully lit venue. As the honorees made their way up to the stage, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad got the celebration started by welcoming everyone, thanking the partners involved and acknowledging the presence of radio friends visiting for Country Radio Seminar (CRS). He also took a moment to acknowledge the uniqueness of Nashville’s No. 1 parties and the magnitude of scoring a country radio No. 1. Sistad finished by congratulating Birge and expressing ASCAP’s pride in being a part of his team.

BMI’s MaryAnn Keen was up next and shifted the focus to Ford, who notched his third chart-topper with “Mind On You.” Keen recalled his past work, and the memories she associates with it, before congratulating the writers. SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill then took the mic to talk about Boyer and Tyler. She made note of the multiple cuts the two have had with well-known artists, and reminisced on the first conversation she had with Boyer regarding Birge and the single. After praising the creatives, Cahill thanked Gibson, who gifted the creators custom guitars.

Pictured (L-R): Colt Ford, George Birge, Reid Mounts and Michael Tyler during “Mind On You” No. 1 party. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

Sistad reclaimed the floor to introduce Peermusic’s Michael Knox. Knox detailed his history with Boyer, Tyler and Ford, and brought everyone’s attention to the impressive feat that “Mind On You” achieved, as it was both Birge and Records Nashville’s first single. “This is amazing stuff, and it’s awesome to soak this in,” he stated. “I want y’all to remember this, because this kind of where I was with [Jason] Aldean—starting out with a new artist while building a new team and a new home.” Knox ended by applauding the writers and voicing his admiration for Birge’s passion, and Average Joes Entertainment’s Mike Wadsworth stepped up to speak. He first extended his congratulations, and moved on to describe the significant level on which songs communicate. Wadsworth then zeroed in on the specific communication level of “Mind On You” and the hard work of everyone who gave it life.

Next up was Records Nashville’s Josh Easler, who expressed his gratitude for all of the attendees, those who helped host and plan the event, as well as the radio personel who stepped away from CRS to celebrate the milestone moment. After saluting the writers, Easler shared some facts about Records Nashville and its development with the crowd. He went on to thank Records Co-Founder & Partner Barry Weiss, who was present along with a few of their New York team members. He made note of Weiss’ belief in the song, and continued his thanks by acknowledging the work of both Records’ New York and Music City staff while recognizing individual contributors such as Executive Vice President Joe Fisher in addition to each team involved. Easler stated his appreciation for Birge’s wife Kara and all of the sacrifices his family has made and gave specific examples of the strong relationships Birge has built, before presenting the artist with a plaque.

Tyler was the first of the songsmiths to take the floor and addressed each of his co-writers. He thanked Boyer for conceptualizing “Mind On You” and reflected on the moment he first shared the idea. Tyler made his longtime admiration of Ford’s work known and dove into all of the efforts made by Birge to get the song to where it is today. “I’ve had some No. 1s by now, but this is by far my favorite and the most special,” he said. “The sky is the limit, and I can’t wait to keep it going.”

Emotional sincerity flooded Ford’s voice as he detailed his friendship with Birge and recounted meeting Tyler and Boyer. He recounted writing the smash single, and thanked everyone who had done right by the track along with his Average Joes Entertainment team and those who put in the hard work and made sacrifices behind the scenes. “I’m lucky to be able to do this with one of my best friends and two other guys who have become great friends,” finished Ford.

Boyer started by thanking God for allowing them to write country music for a living. He shared that he felt the song “was a hit when [they] walked out of the room that day” and recognized the work that Birge and the Records Nashville team put into it. “I love George, and I’m so proud of him,” stated Boyer. “He’s going to have plenty more No. 1s.”

Last, but not least, the artist himself shared his overwhelming gratitude for all of the support he and his first hit have received and gave thanks to those on the “Mind On You” remix as well as his teams, family and country radio. “It’s just been so special to see this song take off and do what it’s done,” said Birge. “This is something I’ve dreamed about my entire life,” he continued. “I fell in love with country radio at five years old in my dad’s truck. I wanted to learn how to tell stories like [the ones on the radio], and started writing songs as soon as I was old enough to play guitar.

“To move to this town not knowing anybody while chasing a dream and have three guys, who were all already No. 1 songwriters, bet on me when I didn’t have a record deal or a publishing deal and say ‘Hey, I want to write with you because I believe in you is awesome,” Birge concluded with tear-brimmed eyes. “Don’t quit, because it’s worth it.”

He and his collaborators then treated everyone to a special “Mind On You” performance, and welcomed fellow artists Erin Kinsey and Matt Stell to the stage to close out the party with a surprise set.

Chayce Beckham Claims No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Chayce Beckham. Photo: Matthew Simmons

Fast-rising artist Chayce Beckham has taken the No. 1 spot this week on MusicRow‘s Top Songwriter Chart. With his solo-written track “23” dominating the country music charts, Beckham finds himself on top.

Ashley Gorley claims the No. 2 spot this week with seven tracks on the chart including “World On Fire,” “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” “Last Night,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” “Truck Bed,” “Bulletproof” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Zach Bryan sits at No. 3 this week with “I Remember Everything” and “Hey Driver.”

Hunter Phelps (No. 4) and Tracy Chapman (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Winners Revealed For 2024 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards

The winners of the 2024 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards were announced on Friday night (March 1) at the annual New Faces of Country Music dinner.

Broken Bow was awarded with the Platinum Label of the Year honor, and the label group’s Chris Loss was named Label Streaming Specialist and Stoney Creek’s Mary Forest Campbell took home the Regional Promotion award. Big Machine received the honor of Gold Label of the Year.

Triple Tigers also received a few awards, with the company’s Raffaella Braun winning SVP-VP/National Promotion and Mackenzie Cooper taking home New Face of Country (Professional).

Nashville station WSIX took home several awards, including Medium Market Station of the Year.

GrassRoots Promotion’s Nancy Tunick won this year’s Independent Promotion Executive award.

2024 CRS/Country Aircheck Award Winners:

Station
KKBQ/Houston (Large Market)
WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
KUZZ/Bakersfield (Small Market)
Platinum Label: Broken Bow

Gold Label: Big Machine

OM/PD
Marci Braun, WUSN/Chicago (Large Market)
Gator Harrison, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Nikki Thomas, WXBQ/Johnson City, TN (Small Market)

APD/MD
Angie Ward, WUBL/Atlanta (Large Market)
Ryan McKiddy, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Brook Stephens, KZPK/St. Cloud, MN (Small Market)

SVP-VP/National Promotion: Raffaella Braun, Triple Tigers

Label Streaming Specialist: Chris Loss, BMG/BBRMG

Director/National Promotion: Donna Hughes, UMGN

Market Manager/GM: Dan Endom, WSIX/Nashville

Personality/Show
Lauren “Lo” Sessions, KKBQ/Houston (Large Market)
Brooke Taylor, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Bill Black & Shelby Mitchell, Bill & Shelby, WKSJ/Mobile, AL (Small Market)

National Personality/Show
Storme Warren, The Storme Warren Show, The Big 615 (Daily)
Amy Brown, Women of iHeartCountry, iHeartMedia (Weekly)

National Programmer/Curator: Monta Vaden, The Big 615, TuneIn

Regional Promotion: Mary Forest Campbell, Stoney Creek

Independent Promotion Executive: Nancy Tunick, GrassRoots Promotion

New Face of Country (Professional): Mackenzie Cooper, Triple Tigers

CRS New Faces 2024 Showcase Highlights Five Talented Artists

The New Faces of Country Music Class of 2024, including George Birge, Megan Moroney, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Corey Kent. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen

To end Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024, five breakout artists added their names to the history of the New Faces of Country Music showcase.

The annual showcase features five emerging artists who have achieved notable country radio success during the qualification period, which spanned from Nov. 1, 2022, to Oct. 31, 2023, for the 2024 show. The event has served as a pivotal moment in the careers of established country hitmakers since its inception in 1970. On Friday (March 1), Corey Kent, George Birge, Conner Smith, Dillon Carmichael and Megan Moroney added their names to the list.

Corey Kent. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen

RCA Nashville’s Kent was the first artist to take the stage. Before he performed, an introductory video played detailing his journey from Oklahoma to Music City to chase his musical dreams, but it also showed the detour that led him and his young family to Texas, where Kent took a job pouring concrete for a while.

Now, a few years after his music took off and he and his family moved back to Nashville, Kent has celebrated a Platinum-certified No. 1 hit with “Wild As Her,” which he gratefully played to the country radio industry members in the audience. Kent’s set also included his 2020 single “Gold.”

“I believe that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed and what you’re doing today matters,” Kent said when introducing his Gold-certified hit “Something’s Gonna Kill Me.” “You’re either getting busy living or getting busy dying.” Before he left the stage, Kent played his brand new radio single “This Heart,” and the radio tastemakers in the room ate it up.

George Birge. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen

Next up was RECORDS Nashville’s Birge. His introductory video also shared a bit about his journey working as a songwriter until breaking through as an artist in recent years. He also took the opportunity to share his gratitude for country radio, thanking them for changing his life and sharing photos with programmers.

Birge kicked off his set with a new song, “Hard on the Bottle.” The Texan also played a few more new songs, including “Damn Right I Do” and his next radio single, “Cowboy Songs.”

“I’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time and damn, it’s good to be here tonight,” Birge said before launching into his first No. 1, “Mind On You,” which topped country radio charts as 2024 began, while also cracking the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.

Conner Smith. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen

The Valory Music Co.’s Smith was the next artist to take the stage. His video included footage of the Nashville native singing country covers while growing up, using a broom as a mic stand and yelling out the words to Montgomery Gentry and Kenny Chesney songs.

Smith kicked off his set with the title track of his recently released new album, “Smoky Mountains,” as well as two new songs “Heatin’ Up” and “Roulette On The Heart,” a duet with Hailey Whitters that is set to be his next single.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on this stage. It means more than y’all know,” Smith said before playing his top-10-and-rising single “Creek Will Rise,” which brought radio tastemakers to their feet.

Dillon Carmichael. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen

Riser House Records’ Carmichael was next up. His video was the best, showcasing the humor he’s become known for. In an episode of “CRS Cribs,” Carmichael took the audience on a tour of his bus—but come to find out, it was actually his tour-mate Justin Moore‘s bus. The video ends with Carmichael welcoming viewers to “CRS Cribs” of his truck.

He kicked off his set with “Raised Up Wrong,” before making everyone laugh again with “Tiny Little Fiddle.” After performing his top 25 single “Son Of A,” Carmichael brought some radio programmers to their feet with “Drinkin’ Problems.”

“What an opportunity this is,” Carmichael said. “Thank y’all so much for giving us a chance. I do understand the gravity of this.”

Megan Moroney. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen

Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Moroney was the last artist to perform, but it didn’t matter—everyone was eagerly awaiting the breakout star’s time in the spotlight. After a video of her reading mean Tweets about herself, Moroney hit the stage singing the title track of her 2023 album “Lucky.”

She lured audience members in with her climbing radio single “I’m Not Pretty,” and impressed them with her well written new release “No Caller ID.”

“Thank y’all so much for the support of me and my songs,” Moroney said before playing “Girl In The Mirror.” She ended her set and the 2024 CRS New Faces showcase with her two-times Platinum No. 1 breakout hit “Tennessee Orange,” leaving the crowd on their feet.

CMA Announces Return Of Women’s Leadership Academy

The Country Music Association (CMA) has announced the return of its Women’s Leadership Academy. The highly sought-out professional development program is an interactive coaching experience for high-performing, high-potential women leaders within country music.

“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Women’s Leadership Academy in 2024,” shares Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “With a commitment to delivering tailored, top-tier professional development, we are amazed by the evolution of this program since its inception in 2022. It’s been truly rewarding to witness the growth of a supportive community within the country music industry, empowering women to thrive together and fostering a robust alumni network. We are eager to welcome a new class this year!”

The CMA Women’s Leadership Academy is designed to offer professional development to rising female leaders, and gives participants leadership skills while promoting a culture of community among women. Participants are offered educational sessions, bi-monthly group coaching and more.

Those selected for this year’s program will form their individual goals before heading into group sessions. The program will be led by Executive Coaches Lisa Gamble of Gamble Coaching & Consulting LLC and Nicole Provonchee of Bright Blue Consulting. Gamble and Provonchee share decades of coaching experience as well as a passion for supporting women leaders throughout their journeys. Topics explored during coaching sessions will include personal branding, career mobility, DEI, conflict navigation, self-advocacy and negotiation in addition to self-promotion and influence.

To learn more and apply, click here.

Cody Johnson’s ‘The Painter’ Lands At No. 1

Cody Johnson has the No. 1 song at country radio this week with “The Painter.” The Gold-certified track was written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins and has become the biggest streaming single of Johnson’s career, with 200 million global streams to date.

“The Painter” was the first single from Johnson’s new 12-track studio album Leather, released last fall. Johnson chose the song for the record because its story mirrors his relationship with his wife Brandi and her belief and support of his dreams and career. Since the release of Leather, many of the songs on the album have struck a chord with fans, including “Dirt Cheap,” which is Johnson’s latest single and has nearly 55 million global streams with an average of 3.4 million streams per week.

Johnson continues his headline “The Leather Tour” on March 15 in Indianapolis at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Black Crowes Sign With Spirit Music Group

Pictured (L-R): Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson. Photo: Ross Halfin

Legendary rock band The Black Crowes, led by Chris Robinson and Rich Robinson, has signed a publishing administration agreement with Spirit Music Group. This deal encompasses the band’s acclaimed albums Warpaint and Before The Frost…Until the Freeze, along with their highly anticipated upcoming release, Happiness Bastards, set for launch on March 15.

“The Black Crowes have stood as one of rock music’s best bands in the past 30 years. With this new album and their upcoming tour, they prove to be even stronger than ever. Anyone who does not see their upcoming live shows is depriving themselves. I have a been a fan of their music from the beginning and couldn’t be more psyched to be part of the ride today,” shares Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group, of the partnership.

Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer of Spirit Music Group, adds, “We could not be more excited to welcome Chris and Rich Robinson to the Spirit Music family. The Black Crowes are the epitome of rock and roll—kick-ass songs, records, attitudes and performances. It is an honor to partner with them and we can’t wait to help introduce the world to the next chapter in their already legendary career.”

The Black Crowes’ upcoming tenth studio album, Happiness Bastards, is a humble nod to their past and celebration of their future. Set for worldwide release on March 15, the album marks the Black Crowes’ first original music in 15 years and is produced by Grammy award-winning producer Jay Joyce. The project includes 10 new tracks, including the attitude-driven lead single “Wanting and Waiting,” and a special feature from Grammy-winning superstar Lainey Wilson.

Announced in tandem with their album, The Black Crowes unveiled their 2024 headline tour which sees them visit major markets in both North America and Europe. “The Happiness Bastards Tour” is set to kick off at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on April 2 before wrapping up at the Mérida’s STONE & MUSIC Festival on June 9.

Celebrating 40 years since their inception, 30 million albums sold and accolades such as VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, The Black Crowes are primed to claim 2024 as their own.

Luke Grimes Signs With Warner Chappell Music

Pictured (L-R, back row): Range Media’s Matt Graham, Cameron Lutz, Warner Chappell’s Alexa Morris and Jessi Vaughn Stevenson; (L-R, front row): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and Luke Grimes. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music

Singer-songwriter Luke Grimes has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music in collaboration with Range Media Partners.

The Yellowstone star’s debut song “No Horse To Ride” was featured in the mid-season series finale last year, and peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart. Grimes grew up in Ohio and learned how to play music in church. After studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career and landed a role in the film American Sniper. In 2022, he signed with UMG Nashville and released his eight-song EP, Pain Pills or Pews, which has amassed 105 million total global streams to date, last year.

Grimes has collaborated with writers including Liz Rose, Nicolle Galyon, Jessi Alexander, Rodney Clawson, Brent Cobb and Randy Montana, among others, and will be releasing his self-titled debut album, produced by Dave Cobb, this Friday (March 8) via Capitol Records Nashville.

“When you meet Luke you quickly realize his deep love for creating music,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “We’ve been so impressed with how he has formed strong creative relationships with other amazing writers and his commitment to country music. Everyone at Warner Chappell is beyond honored that he has chosen us to represent his songs.”

“Writing songs has become one of the most fulfilling things in my life,” says Grimes. “To now be able to do it in Nashville with some of the greatest to ever do it is a beyond a dream come true. Warner Chappell has been incredibly helpful getting me started on this journey, and I’m honored to officially become a part of their family. Big thanks to Ben and Jessi [Vaughn Stevenson] and the rest of the team. It means the world.”

Morgan Wallen Drops New ‘Abbey Road Sessions’ Collection For Fans

Morgan Wallen recording Abbey Road Sessions in London, U.K. Photo: Matt Paskert

Morgan Wallen surprise-released a new collection, Abbey Road Sessions, on Sunday (March 3).

The project was dropped to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Wallen’s One Thing At A Time album, which topped the Billboard Top 200 chart for 18 non-consecutive weeks, tying Garth Brooks‘ 1991 Ropin’ the Wind record with the most weeks at No. 1 for a country album and becoming the most-streamed album of the year across all genres on Spotify.

The project’s songs were recorded in London in the iconic Studio Two at the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios on Dec. 5, 2023. The digital series includes five live recordings from One Thing At A Timean unreleased fan favorite, “Lies Lies Lies” and a never-before-recorded cover of Nothing But Thieves‘ “Graveyard Whistling.”

YouTube video

“Playing the O2 in London last fall and getting to record at Abbey Road, where so much iconic music has been made, was legendary for me and my band. We will never forget it,” shares Wallen of his trip overseas. “I’m so excited to release these Abbey Road Sessions for my fans on the one-year anniversary of One Thing At A Time. They make all this possible.”

Playing to over one million fans in 2023, Wallen’s “One Night At A Time World Tour” was named Pollstar‘s Country Tour of the Year, surpassing attendance records in numerous stops. Resuming this April in Indianapolis, the 2024 extension of the “One Night At A Time World Tour” takes Wallen to 29 additional stadium shows.

Abbey Road Sessions Track List:
1. “Thinkin’ Bout Me”
2. “Lies Lies Lies”
3. “Sunrise”
4. “Everything I Love”
5. “I Wrote The Book”
6. “I Deserve A Drink”
7. “Graveyard Whistling”

BREAKING: Date & Ticket Information Announced For The 59th Annual ACM Awards

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has announced that the 59th ACM Awards will take place on Thursday, May 16. The ACM has shared information regarding tickets for the ceremony as well.

The annual event will stream live across the globe from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, exclusively on Prime Video as part of a multi-year deal that will take the awards through its milestone 60th anniversary next year.

“Frisco, Texas and The Star District proved to be the perfect new home for the evolution of this Emmy-nominated ‘party,’ bringing music’s biggest global superstars to the passionate and loyal Texas country music fans! We’re thrilled to bring ACM Awards week to life again at the home of America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys, along with our best-in-class partners at Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Dick Clark Productions and our Executive Producer, Raj Kapoor, to make this year’s show even bigger and better,” says ACM CEO Damon Whiteside. Fans will certainly want to be there in person to experience all the incredible moments we have in store, and we can’t wait to see everyone in Texas!”

“We all experienced first-hand last year what a perfect fit the Academy of Country Music Awards are with Ford Center at The Star, not only inside for the show, but out and around The Star District and Frisco as well,” says Dallas Cowboys Owner, President & General Manager Jerry Jones. “The stars of country music shine very brightly here in Texas, and we’re honored to be the home of this amazing celebration once again. We can’t wait to host all of the great artists and fans at ‘Country Music’s Party of the Year!'”

Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. this Friday (March 8) on SeatGeek.com. Prices range from $330-$1,200 before taxes and fees. Presale tickets will be available for ACM A-List subscribers starting this Wednesday (March 6). Those who sign up for the ACM A-List free email newsletter will be sent a presale code that will allow them to purchase tickets in advance of the public on-sale. For more information, click here.