CMT Reveals Next Women Of Country Class Of 2024

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Anne Wilson, Denitia, Ella Langley, Emily Ann Roberts, HunterGirl, Karley Scott Collins, Kylie Frey. (L-R, bottom row): Lauren Watkins, Madeline Merlo, Mae Estes, Tanner Adell, The Castellows, Tigirlily Gold, Twinnie

CMT has revealed the Next Women of Country Class of 2024. For 11 years, the Next Women of Country program has worked to promote female country artists and fight systemic gender disparity within the country music.

The Class of 2024 includes Anne Wilson, Denitia, Ella Langley, Emily Ann Roberts, HunterGirl, Karley Scott Collins, Kylie Frey, Lauren Watkins, Madeline Merlo, Mae Estes, Tanner Adell, The Castellows, Tigirlily Gold and Twinnie.

In a ceremony hosted in Nashville today (Jan. 23), CMT SVP of Music & Talent Leslie Fram revealed the new artist class alongside Kimberly Perry and Colbie Caillat. Perry and Caillat will serve as mentors to this year’s class.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to welcome this latest group of artists to CMT’s Next Women of Country,” says Fram. “For the past 10 years, this franchise has represented the best and brightest new talent in all of country music and this year is no exception. From the UK and Canada to California and the deep South, these women all have their own unique stories to tell and we can’t wait to introduce them to CMT audiences in creative and meaningful ways.”

Additionally for 2024, CMT will start a year-long partnership with Song Suffragettes, an all female singer-songwriter collective. The announcement was made on stage by Fram and Song Suffragettes leader Todd Cassetty. The partnership will aim to pursue industry education opportunities together to continue advancing and supporting women country music artists. To celebrate the partnership, CMT and Song Suffragettes will host a showcase on Feb. 27 at City Winery Nashville.

CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown will also air a three-hour special episode that honors the 2024 class. The special will air on CMT on Feb. 10.

With the addition of the 2024 class, the program now has a total of 125 artists. Many alumni of the program have made a big impact in the country music scene, including Ashley McBryde, Brittney Spencer, Carly Pearce, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Mickey Guyton, Tenille Arts and many more.

Republic Live Launches New Management Division, RLive

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Casadie Pederson

Republic Live, producers of the Boots and Hearts Music Festival in Canada, is launching a new management division, RLive.

“It’s been a passion of ours since the beginning to seek out artists who we believe have incredible talent and potential,” shares Stan Dunford, Co-Founder of Republic Live and Boots and Hearts. “It’s time we take our enthusiasm for the industry, artists, and fans, and work to invest in the future of artists, while partnering with the best-in-class. We look forward to growing RLive with like-minded, hardworking individuals, that are looking for the next step or searching to find their place in the country music scene.”

Alberta native Casadie Pederson has been named Director of Artist Management and Development and will lead the expansion of the company beyond live festival events and into artist development and management. With offices in Toronto and Nashville, Republic Live’s RLive management division will be based in Nashville where Pederson will work alongside Republic Live’s Brooke Dunford, who continues to focus on talent buying and strategic growth for the company.

“I am so thrilled to be joining this admired team at Republic Live,” says Pederson. “Collectively everyone brings so much experience to the table and we are so excited to see where this will take us. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I can’t thank the RL team enough for welcoming me to a team that is dedicated to playing a bigger role in helping artists.”

With new music set to launch in March via a new partnership soon-to-be announced, country artist Tyler Joe Miller is the first signing to the newly-formed management division. Future plans include focusing on continued artist development and new signings, while enhancing the infrastructure across the company to play a bigger role in helping artists build and develop their careers.

RLive will focus on highlighting the artist development principles founded within the Boots and HeartsEmerging Artist Showcase to help launch the careers of emerging artists, while elevating top-notch talent to the next level. Canadian talent previously recognized as top finalists in the Emerging Artists program include artists such as Tim Hicks, Tenille Arts, Josh Ross, Robyn Ottolini, Owen Riegling, Jade Eagleson, James Barker Band, The Reklaws, Tebey and more. The national Canadian contest consistently receives over 400 applicants a year as Boots and Hearts plays host each summer, with finalists that have gone on to win numerous Canadian Country Music Awards, JUNO Awards and more.

Beville Dunkerley Joins Maverick As VP, Marketing

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Beville Dunkerley

Beville Dunkerley has joined management company Maverick as VP of Marketing.

In the newly created role, Dunkerley will lead the marketing and creative efforts for Maverick’s roster that includes Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Darius Rucker, Hootie & the Blowfish and more.

“Clarence Spalding and Chris Parr have assembled a top-notch team of not only innovative thinkers but also salt-of-the-earth, kindhearted people,” she says. “I am incredibly excited to join this team, collaborating on a roster of artists who’ve adorned my personal playlists for decades. (Let’s be honest, they had me at Hootie & the Blowfish!)”

Dunkerley started her music career at WSM Radio, and previously served as Head of Country Music Talent & Industry Relations at SiriusXM/Pandora. She exited the position in March of last year. Dunkerley is also the Co-Founder of both Rolling Stone Country and The Boot.

Luke Bryan Closes Out Crash My Playa 2024

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Luke Bryan performs during his Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents

Luke Bryan closed out his ninth annual Crash My Playa concert vacation in Riviera Cancún, Mexico this past weekend.

Luke Bryan performs with Eddie Montgomery during his Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents

Starting on Wednesday (Jan. 17), the four-day event returned to the Moon Palace Cancún resort and treated fans to daily pool parties, nightly concerts and late-night celebration sets.

This year’s beach bash featured headlining performances by Jon Pardi and Jelly Roll as well as two headlining shows by Bryan, who was joined by Dierks Bentley and Eddie Montgomery on Saturday night (Jan. 20) for the finale show “Luke & Friends.”

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off the year,” says Bryan. “Jon and Jelly Roll came out and just blew everyone away with their sets, and it was so fun to watch. On Saturday night I’m pretty sure I was having more fun than anyone out there! Being able to have a set list that is more off the cuff and spontaneous is one of my favorite nights on stage.

“Dierks and I always have fun singing together and then to top it with a legend like Eddie Montgomery was just something I have always wanted to do. I could not have asked for a better group of artists and friends to have down here with us.”

In keeping with tradition, Dustin Lynch hosted his infamous, all-day pool party. Additionally, Ernest, Jon Langston, Mitchell Tenpenny, Ashley Cooke, Avery Anna, Lily Rose, Zach Top, Bailey Zimmerman and DJ Rock took the stage throughout the four days.

Luke Bryan performs with Dierks Bentley during his Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents

Luke Bryan performs with Jon Pardi during his Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents

Dustin Lynch during his pool party at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents

Luke Bryan performs with Jelly Roll and Ernest during his Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents

Lily Rose performs during Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa 2024 concert vacation. Photo: Alive Coverage for Playa Luna Presents

Kameron Marlowe To Embark On ‘Strangers Tour’ In April

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Kameron Marlowe will embark his new “Strangers Tour 2024” in April.

The 13-date trek is named after Marlowe’s new single with Ella Langley, “Strangers,” set for release this Friday (Jan. 26). The dates include stops in Fort Worth, Portland, Columbus, Fort Myers and more through May 23. Special guests for the new tour will be announced soon. The new journey will begin after Marlowe wraps his “I Can Lie Tour” on March 1.

Tickets will be available for presale tomorrow (Jan. 24) exclusively on Spotify. Coinciding with the “Strangers” release, general tickets sales will begin Friday. For more information, click here.

In 2023, the artist played over 30 headline dates in 2023, 21 of which sold out 1500-2000 capacity rooms. In addition to his 2024 headlining shows, he will also join Lainey Wilson for the Australian leg of her “Country’s Cool Again Tour” for multiple nights down under.

Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson & Hardy To Headline Faster Horses 2024 Festival

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The Faster Horses Festival is returning to the Michigan International Speedway for its 11th year in July with a star-studded 2024 lineup, including first-time headliners Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Hardy.

Taking place in Brooklyn, Michigan on July 19 through 21, the festival’s Main Stage will host performances by Sawyer Brown, Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Old Dominion, Ernest, Tigirlily Gold, Riley Green, Tyler Hubbard, Cody Johnson, Alexandra Kay, Shane Smith & The Saints, DJ Rod Youree and Zach Top.

Faster Horses will also continue to introduce fans to rising acts, bringing a stacked lineup to its “Next From Nashville” stage. Trending newcomers set to play are Tanner Adell, Avery Anna, Graham Barham, Sadie Bass, Annie Bosko, Aidan Canfield, Jade Eagleson, HunterGirl, Samantha McKaige, Meg McRee, Josh Ross, Austin Williams, Anne Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Jake Worthington.

Faster Horses fans will have the option to purchase tickets including general admission and VIP options, as well as high end suites here. Three-day festival passes and camping for the one-of-a-kind experience will go on-sale beginning Feb. 9 at FasterHorsesFestival.com.

Third Annual ‘Breland & Friends’ Coming To Ryman Auditorium In March

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Platinum artist Breland has announced the return of “Breland & Friends” for March 26 in Nashville. Now returning for its third year, the event will take place at the Ryman Auditorium.

This year’s star studded line-up includes Avery Anna, Caitlyn Smith, Chase Rice, Dalton Dover, Drake White, Josh Groban, The War And Treaty and Walker Hayes. The event has been known to bring out superstar surprise guests, including Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, Nelly, Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett in previous years.

“Breland & Friends” raises funds for the Oasis Center, an organization dedicated to helping middle Tennessee’s at-risk youth. The event has raised over $300,000 so far in its three years.

In addition to the annual event, Breland also announced he will be releasing Breland & Friends: Vol. 1 (Live). The album will feature six live collaborations from the inaugural event. The album will be available across streaming platforms this Friday (Jan. 26).

Tickets for “Breland & Friends” go on sale this Friday (Jan. 26) at 10 a.m. CST.

Breland & Friends: Vol. 1 (Live) Track List:
1. “Praise the Lord (feat. Thomas Rhett) [Live from the Ryman]”
2. “High Horse (feat. Nelly) [Live from the Ryman]”
3. “Told You I Could Drink (feat. Charles Kelley) [Live from the Ryman]”
4. “Beers on Me (feat. Dierks Bentley) [Live from the Ryman]”
5. “My Truck (feat. Sam Hunt) [Live from the Ryman]
6. “Alone at the Ranch (feat. Seaforth) [Live from the Ryman]”

Brenda Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ Hits 1 Billion Streams On Spotify

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Rock and Roll and Country Music Hall of Famer Brenda Lee’s iconic holiday hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” has achieved a new milestone, hitting one billion streams on Spotify, a first for Lee.

The festive traditional Christmas hit broke multiple records this past holiday season, spending most of the season at No. 1 on Spotify’s Top 50 U.S. chart.

“What a year and holiday season it was for me personally, and for ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,'” says Lee. ” I am so thankful that Spotify listeners propelled this holiday classic to one billion streams—that just blows my mind! It takes geniuses like the writer (Johnny Marks) and musicians to create a song with such longevity and I couldn’t be more grateful people are still listening to ‘Rockin’.”

In December, the song became Lee’s third Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, and her first since 1960. By hitting the No. 1 spot, Lee now holds the record for the longest gap between an artist’s first and most recent week at No. 1. It also made her the oldest woman to top the Hot 100, surpassing previous record-holders Cher (“Believe”) and Mariah Carey (“All I Want for Christmas is You”).

Zach Bryan Leads First MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart Of 2024

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik

After topping MusicRow‘s Top 100 Songwriters of 2023 list, Zach Bryan sits at No. 1 on the first MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart of 2024.

Bryan currently has seven songs on the country charts, with most being solo writes. His charting songs include “I Remember Everything,” “Hey Driver,” “Tourniquet,” “Spotless,” “Sarah’s Place,” “East Side of Sorrow” and “El Dorado.”

Ashley Gorley starts 2024 at No. 2 on the chart, with charting hits by Morgan Wallen, Chris Young, Nate Smith, Hardy, Dan + Shay, Chris Janson and Dylan Scott.

Chayce Beckham (No. 3), Randy Montana (No. 4) and Jelly Roll (No. 5) round out the 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.

Industry Ink: Maui Songwriters Festival, Lucky Money Entertainment, More

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Maui Songwriters Fest Raises $130K For Fire Victims

Old Dominion with festival organizers at Maui Songwriters Festival

The 2024 Maui Songwriters Festival wrapped at the the Ritz-Carlton Maui on Jan. 13, following another successful year. Among those helping to raise funds for this year’s event were Old Dominion, Elle King, Chase Rice and more. $130,000 was raised to aid those impacted by the fires that ravaged Hawaii.

Storme Warren served as auctioneer at the VIP benefit, where a Martin Guitar painted by artist Thomas Arvid with Canter Negra Tequila (OD’s Tequila) signed by the members of Old Dominion was auctioned off for $35,000.

 

Lucky Money Entertainment Promotes Two

Callie Ethridge, Cassidy Best

Lucky Money Entertainment CEO Sarah Morey has promoted two team members. Callie Ethridge has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer, and Cassidy Best has been promoted to Vice President of Lucky Money Live. Ethridge joined the company alongside Morey in June 2022.

“I am beyond thankful for the community that has grown around Lucky Money,” says Morey. “We focus on people and songs, and it has been incredible to see what those two things can accomplish. I am thrilled to be working closely alongside both Callie and Cassidy as Lucky Money continues to grow. They each bring important skill sets and passion to their roles and go above and beyond to serve our clients.”

 

High Mountain Breezes Ink With PLA Media

Pictured (L-R): High Mountain Breezes’ Founder Bruce Tarletsky, Chris Leuzinger, Bob Bullock and Jimmy Mattingly. Drawing by Matt Doyle.

The High Mountain Breezes have signed with PLA Media. The group is compiled of behind-the-scenes heros, the rarely recognized yet legendary songwriters, producers and players who tour, create and write for country music royalty.

The HMB family has worked with the greats, including Alabama, Tanya Tucker, Pam Tillis, Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris, George Jones, Shania Twain, Reba McEntire and many more. After years of dedication to the music of others, the creatives behind the High Mountain Breezes have set out to share their own music with the world and have racked up over 400,000 Spotify streams so far.

 

Shake ‘Em Up Music Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Shar’n Clark

Shake ‘Em Up Music, an independent music publishing company in Nashville, is celebrating 25 years of service in the publishing community. The company has represented placements of songs with artists including George Strait, Reba, John Michael Montgomery, Sara Evans, Blake Shelton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Wild Feathers and other projects. Shake ‘Em Up Music has had TV placements with Criminal Minds, Amazon Prime’s Jack Ryan, Diagnosis Murder, Good Morning America, Fox Sports, CMT’s Cowboy U and more.

Shar’n Clark, Shake ‘Em Up Founder/CEO says, “As we commemorate 25 years in the music industry, we reflect with immense pride on the incredible journey shared with our artists and collaborators. This anniversary is a testament to the talent and dedication of everyone who has been part of the Shake ‘Em Up Music family. We eagerly anticipate the future and remain committed to our mission of supporting and promoting exceptional musical talent.”